Abstract:
CLIMODE (CLIVAR Mode Water Dynamic Experiment) is a research program designed to
understand and quantify the processes responsible for the formation and dissipation of North
Atlantic subtropical mode water, also called Eighteen Degree Water (EDW). Among these
processes, the amount of buoyancy loss at the ocean-atmosphere interface is still uncertain and
needs to be accurately quantified.
In November 2006, cruise 434 onboard R/V Oceanus traveled in the region of the separated Gulf
Stream and its recirculation, where intense oceanic heat loss to the atmosphere in the winter is
believed to trigger the formation of EDW. During this cruise, the surface mooring F that was
anchored in the core of the Gulf Stream was replaced by a new one, as well as two subsurface
moorings C and D located on the southeastern edge of the stream. Surface drifters, ARGO and
bobbers RAFOS floats were deployed, CTD profiles and water samples were also carried out.
This array of instruments will permit a characterization of EDW with high spatial and temporal
resolutions and accurate in-situ measurements of air-sea fluxes in the EDW formation region.
The present report documents this cruise, the methods and locations for the deployments of
instruments and some evaluation of the measurements from these instruments.
