Mean current velocity measurement from a movable base

This paper discusses the possibility of measurement of the current velocity vector characteristics averaged over the time of continuous regular down-up probings from a moving carrier. The measurements can be carried out either from a moving vessel or from a helicopter, floating on or hovering above the sea surface. As an illustration for the suggested technique,in situ observations compiled by a free-component (±XYZ) VEGA-3 probe in the Guiana current region in March 1990 are provided. Comparison of the results with buoy data shows good agreement within the accuracy limits of the instruments employed.Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

On the collapse of a vertical packet of mixed patches. Laboratory and field studies

Visualization of a collapsing vertical packet of patches in a laboratory experiment and the results of acoustical sounding under field conditions allowed us to discriminate the stage of its evolution which was previously unknown. It is defined by the variations of the horizontal dimensions of patches and their effective scattering surface with a period ofT=150–250/N, whereN is the Brunt-Väisälä frequency. The horizontal dimensions of patches can reach 40% of their final dimensions at the evolution stage discriminated.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Primary production and plankton stocks in the Pacific Ocean and their seasonal variation according to remote sensing and field observations

Data collected from 20 years of observations by the P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (about 250 comprehensive ecosystem stations) are summarized to evaluate the primary production and biomass of the principal groups of plankton in the Pacific Ocean. The stations were classified into geographical regions according to satellite determined criteria. The areas of these regions were evaluated according to CZCS data from 1978 to 1986. The total value of primary production was evaluated as 26·9 Gt C year⁻¹. Taking the “bottle effect” correction into account, this value may be as high as 45.6 Gt C year⁻¹. Total biomass values of phytoplankton (134 Mt C), bacteria (86 Mt C), protozoa (26 Mt C) and mesoplankton (184 Mt C) were also calculated. Seasonal variabilities of all these values were remarkably insignificant.     

Evaluation of drift current parameters using an analytical model

The paper is concerned with the evaluation of the drift current parameters derived through the use of an analytical model. In this model, effective when stratification is stable and indifferent, the vertical turbulence coefficient profile is prescribed by the power function, and hydrodynamic quantities are prescribed using the external parameters of the problem (wind stress, the Coriolis parameter, and the dimensionless stratification parameter). Model data are compared with the observations of the upper mixed layer in the vicinity of the oceanic Station C, conducted during one year. It is shown that, under the spring-summer-time warming conditions, the model at issue is capable of adequately simulating the upper ocean layer dynamics. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

The dynamic method of calculating currents and analysis of the vertical kinematic structure

The basic relations of the classical dyamic method have been complemented with the condition allowing for the non-monotonicity of the vertical kinematic structure. The elements of the multi-layered system of geostrophic currents have been found to correlate over depth with seawater density and hydrostatic pressure distribution. An example of the analysis of the vertical structure of currents, involving specific hydrological data, is given. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Problems of modeling climate and climate change

The properties of the climate system as a physical object are considered. Major concepts of the mathematical theory of climate are stated, and the problems of constructing mathematical climate models are discussed. The results of reproducing the present-day climate are analyzed, and the sensitivity of the climate system to changes in the content of greenhouse gases is considered. Major directions are formulated in which the development of the mathematical theory of climate and of modeling climate and climate change is possible.     

Current-influenced depositional provinces, continental margin off Cape Hatteras, identified by petrologic method

Analyses of DSRV “Alvin” core samples on the Cape Hatteras margin indicate major textural and compositional changes at depths of about 1000 and well below 2500 m. The distribution patterns of petrologic parameters correlate well with water mass flow and suspended-sediment plumes measured on this margin by other workers. Our study also shows: (a) vigorous erosion and sediment transport at depths of less than 400 m resulting from the NE-trending Gulf Stream flow; (b) deposition, largely planktonic-rich sediment released from the Gulf Stream, on the upper- to mid-slope, to depths of about 800–1200 m; (c) winnowing, resuspension and deposition induced by periodically intensified slope currents on the mid-slope to uppermost rise, between about 1000 and 2500 m; and (d) prevailing deposition on the upper rise proper (below 2500 m), from transport by the SW-trending Western Boundary Undercurrent. Sediments moved by bottom currents have altered the composition and distribution patterns of material transported downslope by offshelf spillover; this mixing of gravity-emplaced and bottom-current-transported sediment obscures depositional boundaries. Moreover, reworking of the seafloor by benthic organisms alters physical properties and changes erodability of surficial sediments by bottom currents. Measurement of current flow above the seafloor and direct observation of the bottom are insufficient to delineate surficial sediment boundaries. Detailed petrologic analyses are needed to recognize the long-term signature of processes and define depositional provinces.