SO335 Lab 2 – Sea Surface Currents in the North Atlantic Ocean

OSCAR Currents in the North Atlantic

Due: Tues 12 Sep 17
SO335 Lab 2 – Sea Surface Currents in the North Atlantic Ocean
Objectives:

1. Open and extract data from a NetCDF data file.

2. Identify attributes and variables within a NetCDF file.

3. Plot vectors and contour fill sea surface current data using appropriate vector and color scales

4. Write an introduction to and thorough analysis of North Atlantic sea surface currents

5. Properly format figures within the analysis.

Similar to the SST data in Lab 1, the sea surface current data we will utilize here are collected by satellites and stored in NetCDF format. Rather than working with a single variable (sst) however, we will be working with two variables (u and v) as we begin to understand the detailed physical structures at the ocean surface in the North Atlantic (NATL). Mastering basic skills with these variables will set us up for success in labs 3 and 4, as those labs will require more complex processing skills and will utilize both data sets (MODIS SSTs and OSCAR currents). A “Quick Reference Worksheet” for the OSCAR currents is provided to help you develop both competence and confidence.

2) coastline.mat

Server path: http://edmaps.academy.usna.edu:8080/

Note: See the QRW for OSCAR current data.

1. World all lons and -80 to -10 and 10 to 80 (all N) lons here are 20 to 380 E

2. North Atlantic -100 to 0 E and 5 to 65 N  lons here are 260 to 360 E

3. Regional plots:

a. Gulf of Mexico -98 to -80 E and 18 to 32 N  lons here are 260 to 360 E

b. Western Atlantic -82 to -52 E and 25 to 50 N  lons here are 278 to 308 E

c. NE Atlantic -27 to 7 E and 47 to 72 N  lons here are 333 to 367 E

d. SE Atlantic -50 to -3 E and 5 to 40 N  lons here are 310 to 357 E

Complete the following:

1. 
   Create two figures for AOIs 2 and 3 above (the North Atlantic and your assigned region from Lab 1). In each figure, minimize distortion (use the “axis equal” command); ensure that the vectors are scaled and spaced appropriately (i.e. standardize the vector length and skip vectors if necessary for clarity); title the figure; label x and y axes, and add a coastline. For the contour-filled plot, choose an appropriate color scale and include a colorbar. The two figures to plot are:
   
   1. 
      Surface current vectors
      
   2. 
      Surface current vectors over a color-filled contour plot of surface current magnitude
      
2. 
   In Word, write about your work in the following sections: Introduction and Results. If you cite any sources, include References after the Results. Adhere to the USNA Oceanography Style Guide, available at https://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/capstone.htm. Here are a few specific directions:
   
   1. 
      Introduction:
      
      1. 
         The introduction to a scientific journal article provides background material on the subject of the article (typically bringing the reader up to date on the state of the science) and then discusses the scope of the research that will be presented and how that work extends the body of scientific knowledge on the particular subject. There are no figures, but many references.
         
      2. 
         Since the content here is very basic, use the Introduction to educate the reader on an overview of surface currents in the North Atlantic and then focus greater attention on your AOI. Do NOT cover details from your plots you have created, as that information belongs in the Results section. There are many currents in the NATL that vary throughout the year. Your data are from a very narrow window of time and a limited region, so part of the goal is to help your reader understand the surface current characteristics in the NATL, how they vary over time, and where the analysis you are going to present fits into that context both temporally and spatially.
         
      3. 
         You will need resources for the Introduction. We will discuss this in class.
         
   2. 
      Results: Qualitatively and quantitatively describe the observed currents within each figure.
      
      1. 
         Figures: Include four figures in your write-up: two plots each for the North Atlantic and Regional AOI (the same region you analyzed in Lab 1). Follow the directions given in #1 above.
         
      2. 
         Remember to write the results as a coherent section. Most often that will mean a short overview paragraph, followed by a paragraph (or more if needed) analysis of each figure.
         
      3. 
         Remember to place each figure after the paragraph in which the figure is first referenced. If the paragraph extends to a subsequent page, the figure should be placed at the top of the new page – even if that means it appears in the middle of the paragraph.
         
      4. 
         Include appropriate figure captions.
         

A. Email subject line: “SO335_2017_Lab2_xxxx”

B. m-file: “SO335_2017_Lab2_SfcCurrents_xxxx.m”
2. At the start of class, turn in a color printout of your lab report and m-file, and staple those to your completed QRW.

A. The content of your lab report includes an Introduction and Results, two sections of a standard scientific write-up. Be sure to review the Oceanography Department Paper Guidelines, available online at https://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/capstone.htm for the format and contents of each section. You can use a single-spaced header at the top of your first page instead of a title page. The rest of the formatting is as described in the online guide.