Wave group statistics from numerical simulations of a random sea

Two commonly used methods of simulating random time series, given a target power spectrum, are discussed. Wave group statistics, such as the mean length of runs of high waves, produced by the different simulation schemes are compared. The target spectra used are obtained from ocean measurements, and cover a wide range of ocean conditions. For a sufficiently large number of spectral components, no significant differences are found in the wave group statistics produced by the two simulation techniques.     

Observations of the countercurrent on the inshore side of the Kuroshio northeast of Taiwan

Intensive current measurements in the area northeast of Taiwan indicate subsurface, southwestward flow existed between the inshore edge of the Kuroshio and the East China Sea continental slope. At 70 km away from Taiwan, this countercurrent has a mean speed about 30 cm s^–1 at mid-depth. Closer to Taiwan, the flow turns along with the topography, and subjects to sidewall and bottom friction. Both the magnitude and the vertical shear of this countercurrent are comparable with that inferred from hydrographic survey. The wind field features short-period (a few days) fluctuations associated with the cold front passages, however, this is not reflected on the current records. It appears that the countercurrent is fairly steady. Together with similar reversing flow found at places much further to the north, the overall pattern seems to be a general quasi-steady feature along most part of the shelf edge of the East China Sea.     

Controlled-source marine electromagnetic 2-D modeling gas hydrate studies

Research on gas hydrate has increased recently as an alternative to fossil fuel. This study of marine controlled source electromagnetics (CSEM) is motivated by this increase, particularly in deep waters, and examines representative models. We present 2D models and test their efficacy in detection and characterization of gas hydrates. Earlier modeling studies used a horizontal transmitter to study the CSEM response??two electrical and one magnetic component??for resistive subsurface layers. Here we use six components??three electrical and three magnetic??and show that the proposed method reduces ambiguity in interpretation. Additionally, we show results utilizing the transmitter dipole in a borehole and receivers at the sea bottom. We found that CSEM response from a vertical transmitter helps us characterize resistive layers more confidently than from a transmitter moving horizontally at sea bottom. We conclude that in a complex environment, combining horizontal and vertical movements of the transmitter with sea-bottom receivers helps us delineate the subsurface structure more clearly and may help reduce drilling costs. Our models closely match the gas hydrate region in the Gulf of Mexico??Walker Ridge Block-313. Although this study examines gas hydrate, the methodology is applicable to other areas??for example, in monitoring gas diffusion at subsurface depths, which may help in CO₂ sequestration.     

Spatial variability of the chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> and the specific structure of the phytoplankton in the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan during the winter period

To evaluate the structure and photosynthetic activity of the phytoplankton of the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan, the results of the surveys conducted from February 26 to March 9, 2003, during the 30th cruise of the R/V Akademik Lavrentyev were used. The species composition was considered taking into account the influences of the hydrological conditions. In particular, the studied water area was divided into four zones with various sizes of the mixed layer depth (MLD). An inverse relationship between the MLD and the content of chlorophyll a (Chl a) in various zones was established. The diatom algae were the basic dominants of the composite structure of the phytoplankton everywhere. It is revealed that, at a MLD increase, smaller forms of microalgae receive development. The intrapopulation relations are caused by the adaptation of various species of phytoplankton to the influence of external factors, among which the size of MLD is fundamental.     

Environmental overview of Eckernförde Bay,northern Germany

This environmental overview of Eckernförde Bay (northern Germany) summarizes the results of previous studies relevant to the Office of Naval Research's Coastal Benthic Boundary Layer (CBBL) Baltic field exercise conducted during 1993–1994. Significant environmental characteristics include the following: (1) surface sediment distribution is related to water depth, dictated primarily by hydrodynamic reworking of older glacial deposits; (2) the origin and characteristics of small-scale sedimentary structures depend on storm-generated waves and currents; (3) the proximity of the sea surface and sediment —water interface results in a pelagic—benthic coupling that drives biogeochemical processes and produces organicrich, acoustically turbid sediments; and (4) the bay floor is complicated topographically by pockmarks and manmade sedimentary structures.     

Approximate evaluation of the distortion to the peak ocean wavelength and direction derived from SAR image spectra

A calculation procedure using the modulation transfer function approach is presented to estimate the distortions to the values of the peak ocean wavelength and direction derived from SAR images of these waves. The distortions are calculated for ranges of SAR parameters which are typical for aircraft and satellites, and ocean wave parameters which reflect sea states which can be imaged by these SARs. The calculated distortions are discussed in terms of overall trends, effect of particular SAR and wave parameters, and qualitatively compared with observed differences between SAR and in situ measurements.     

An initial demonstration of underwater acoustic communication using time reversal

In July 1999, an at-sea experiment to measure the focus of a 3.5-kHz centered time-reversal mirror (TRM) was conducted in three different environments: an absorptive bottom, a reflective bottom, and a sloping bottom. The experiment included a preliminary exploration of using a TRM to generate binary-phase shift keying communication sequences in each of these environments. Broadside communication transmissions were also made, and single-source communications were simulated using the measured-channel response. A comparison of the results is made and time reversal is shown to be an effective approach for mitigating inter-symbol interference caused by channel multipath.