Windward Islands Passages Monitoring Program: Physical Oceanographic Data Collected on Cruise WI-91-01, 'HMBS TRIDENT', December 15-21, 1991

摘要

During 1991 a collaborative program between the U.S. and Barbados was established with NOAA/CGC/ACCP support to conduct regular measurements of the transport and water mass characteristics in the major southern passages to the Caribbean. The program involves the use of a Barbados Coast Guard vessel (the HMBS TRIDENT) that makes routine (monthly) patrols in this area, which has been equipped to collect standard hydrographic measurements (CTD and water samples) and velocity profiles measurements using a downward-looking ADCP. The purpose of the program is to determine the quantity and time-variability of South Atlantic surface, thermocline, and intermediate waters flowing into the North Atlantic in compensation for southward cross-equatorial transport of North Atlantic Deep Water, and to establish an economical means for future monitoring of this return flow. The report contains data from cruise WI - 91 - 01 conducted 15 - 21 December 1991.