LAGAPOCE

Lagrangian approach to understand upper ocean processes

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The ocean is an important part of the earth climate’s system, contributing to transport the excess of heat from the equator to the northern latitudes. The air-sea interaction and most of the biological productivity occur in the upper ocean. Despite that, the precise physical processes that govern the ocean surface circulation are still not well defined. The objective of this proposal is to advance in the understanding of the physical processes that govern the upper-ocean circulation of the oceanic subtropical gyres, by focusing in two complementary systems, the Kuroshio Current (outgoing phase) and the Canary Current (return phase), the western and eastern components of the north Pacific and Atlantic subtropical gyres. The particular scientific objectives will be approached by way of an innovative methodology that combines surface lagrangian velocities and satellite data. Surface lagrangian observations provide now a days the most accurate and feasible representation of surface ocean circulation at open and coastal ocean. This methodology, recently developed by the outgoing research group, will permit to obtain the first detailed analysis of the actual surface circulation patterns of both areas. The outgoing phase will be carried in one of the world’s most prestigious ocean research organizations, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA). Data analyses and evaluation of results will be jointly carried out with scientist with wide expertise in the proposed scientific and methodological topics, and in the framework of current multidisciplinary experiments of the outgoing host group. The return phase, in one of the leading European centre for ocean research, the Instituto Español de Oceanografia (Spain), will permit to capitalize the experience and training acquired, by addressing the return scientific objectives. The fellowship will permit to bring back to Europe a unique knowledge in the use of surface lagrangian data to understand and monitor the upper ocean.'

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The ocean plays a crucial role in the climate system of planet Earth by helping to transport excess heat from the Equator to northern latitudes. Interaction between the atmosphere and the sea and most biological productivity takes place in the upper ocean.

However, scientists currently do not have a clear picture of the ocean processes responsible for controlling the circulation of the ocean's surface. The EU-funded 'Lagrangian approach to understand upper ocean processes' (LAGAPOCE) project was therefore established to give a better understanding of the physical processes behind upper ocean circulation.

Project partners investigated two complementary ocean systems, the Kuroshio Current (outgoing phase) and the Canary Current (return current). The two currents are the western and eastern components of the north Pacific and Atlantic sub-tropical gyres. A gyre is a large system of rotating ocean currents, particularly one involving large wind movements.

LAGAPOCE developed an innovative approach that combined surface Lagrangian velocities and satellite data. Lagrangian velocities describe the dynamics of a system and currently provide the most accurate and realistic picture of surface circulation in the open ocean.

This methodology enabled for the first time detailed analysis of the actual surface circulation patterns of the Kuroshio Current and Canary Current. The Kuroshio results were compared with data from 1992 to determine if changes in eddy patterns had occurred.

The project's main results involved a description of the different mechanisms that influence the intrusion of the Kuroshio Current into the waters of the continental shelf. A simulation was also developed for estimating the occurrence of an intrusion by the Kuroshio current. This was possible as eddies can be observed originating in the western Pacific several weeks before they impinge on the Kuroshio.

Scientists also described the Canary Deep Poleward Undercurrent and developed a hypothesis regarding the mechanisms that drive it. They posited that the pressure gradient created by the encounter with the Mediterranean outflow waters and the Antarctic waters build up the poleward flow. The work was compared with a numerical model.

Worked conducted by the LAGAPOCE project will help to predict changes in hydrodynamic conditions. It will also increase knowledge in the use of surface Lagrangian data to monitor and understand the upper ocean.