15. Tropical-Cyclone-Ocean Interaction Experiment Principal Investigator(s): NickShay(U.Miami/RSMAS),Jun Zhang (NOAA/HRD), RickLumpkin(NOAA/PhOD), George Halliwell (NOAA/PhOD), Elizabeth Sanabia (USNA), and Benjamin Jaimes (U.Miami/RSMAS)
Mission Description: Sample the sea surface temperature, ocean temperature and salinity profiles, air-sea temperature and humidity contrast within and around a tropical cyclone.
P-3 Module 1 (Gulf of Mexico warm eddy pre- or post-storm survey)
What to Target:Sample theLC and associated eddy field.
When to Target: Pre- and post-storm.
Pattern: as in Fig. 1
Figure 1:Typicalpre-orpost-stormpatternwithoceanexpendabledeploymentlocationsrelativetothe Loop Current. Specific patterns will be adjusted based on actual and forecasted storm tracks and Loop Currentlocations. MissionsgenerallyareexpectedtooriginateandterminateatAOC.
Flight altitude:6-8k ft preferable.
Leg length or radii: 250 n mi
Estimated in-pattern flight duration: ~ 8 h
Expendable distribution: a total of 60-80 aircraft ocean expendables (AXBTs, AXCPs, and AXCTDs)
Instrumentation Notes: Use straight flight legs as safety permits.
P-3 Module 2 (Gulf of Mexico warm in-storm survey)
What to Target:Sample the core region of a TC and LC eddy field.