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Altimeter Studies of the South West Indian Ocean
| Helen Snaith |
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James Rennell Division, Southampton Oceanography Centre,
Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
phone: +44-1703-596410, fax: +44-1703-596400
email: hms soc.soton.ac.uk
URL: http://www.soc.soton.ac.uk |
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| David Cromwell |
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James Rennell Division, Southampton Oceanography Centre,
Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
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Abstract
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A hydrographic study was carried out in the South West Indian Ocean from
6th January to 21st February, 1995 on RRS Discovery as part of WOCE (World
Ocean Circulation Experiment). This dynamic region is a poorly surveyed
part of the world's oceans. The cruise objectives included: the recovery of
eight moorings deployed two years earlier between the Agulhas Plateau and
Crozet Island; surveying the Agulhas and Subtropical Fronts between 30°E
and 50°E; and surveying the Subantarctic Zone north of the Crozet Plateau
between 30°E and 50°E. We examine ocean variability of this region using
a combination of hydrography, ocean model data and TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P)
altimetry. In particular, two hydrographic sections were occupied in
near-coincidence with T/P overpasses: one near 38°E and the other near
48°E. The latter section was occupied twice in succession: the first time by
deep CTDs (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth) from south to north, the second
time in the opposite direction by a SeaSoar (a towed undulating
instrument). Initial work is presented on the analysis and combination of
altimetry, hydrography and ocean model data relating to the dynamics of the
ocean fronts and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in the region.
Keywords: SW Indian Ocean, Combined hydrography and altimetry, ACC
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