squid2

SQUID (Sampling Quantitative Internal-wave Distributions) is part of the NOPP "Global Multi-agency Experiment on Internal Wave Energy, Mixing, and Interactions in the Ocean and Their Representation in Global Ocean Models and Operational Forecasts." The principal field activity of SQUID is to deploy 50 velocity and microstructure profiling floats (EM-APEX) from multiple cruises of opportunity over the 3-year program (2023-2025). UNOLS cruises will be sought out in suitable locations and times to launch 5-10 floats over the course of each cruise. Although we do have the ability to send personnel on a few of these, it is anticipated that ship or science party personnel will be able to accomplish these launches. We are also happy to provide training to personnel beforehand. Overall, we are looking to collect profiling float internal wave measurements over a range of values of the following parameters: (a) latitude, (b) topographic roughness, (c) internal tide amplitude, (d) high-frequency wind variability, (e) mean current speed, (f) mesoscale eddy kinetic energy, and (g) proximity to the coast. Each float will operate for somewhat over a year, drifting at depth and collecting bursts of 4-6 profiles every 5-10 days. Several of these deployments will be from GO-SHIP cruises, which are ideal for EM-APEX launches in SQUID because they tend to span a large geographical (and, hence, internal wave parameter) range. This request (squid2) is for the second SQUID cruise entered into the MFP portal and describes deployment of 2 floats from a planned transit on the R/V Armstrong which will pass through the East Coast diamond of the SWOT satellite fast-repeat phase.