Satellite altimetry and operational models have greatly contributed to the description and understanding of the dynamics of the Argentine Basin and the Drake Passage. Increasing the spatio temporal resolution with a specific processing of the current satellite altimetric product is essential to improve our knowledge of the physical processes at stake in those regions. A major change in satellite oceanography is expected with the launch of the SWOT (Surface Water Ocean Topography) mission. This satellite mission will extend the capability of existing nadir altimeters to two-dimensional mapping at much higher effective resolution. The higher resolution will allow distinguishing structures that occur on scales of 20 kilometers or shorter. BACI intends to develop a case study for the integrated ocean observing system, thus contributing to pave the road to the upcoming SWOT data.
The Argentine Basin and the Drake Passage being amongst the most energetic regions of the world ocean, with a rich variety of fine-scale processes, are prominent places to test new experimental and retreated satellite products and upcoming high resolution (1/36°) simulations that are being developed respectively at CLS and Mercator Ocean. In addition, long time series are needed to study interannual variations and trends in these regions hosting unique oceanic features of prime importance for global circulation and marine ecosystems.
The BACI proposal aims to produce and use state-of-the-art satellite altimetry products (from Nadir measurements) and operational models in the Argentine Basin and Drake Passage.The proposal also aims at improving our knowledge of physical processes of this region in the light of the 30 years of satellite altimetry data, new retreated satellite data and operational models. Physical processes will be investigated at spatial scales ranging from 3 kilometers to the basin scale, from the surface to the subsurface and on time scales ranging from days to 30 years.
This project is organized in 4 work packages. The first two aim at producing and evaluating new experimental (CLS-CNES) and traditional products on the continental shelf and the shelf break and to assess the performance of the current and upcoming Mercator Ocean models. The third work package (WP3) focuses on processes with short spatio temporal scales. Within WP3 we will use a new regional model (1/36°) to better understand physical submesoscale and mesoscale processes. We will use the nadir observations from the fast sampling SWOT orbit phase to improve our understanding of waves propagating along the Patagonian shelf and bringing nutrients to the surface sustaining the rich biodiversity. In addition, we will study the influence of trapped waves on the position of the Brazil Malvinas Confluence, on the Malvinas Current transport and on the transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current at Drake Passage. The fourth work package (WP4) addresses interannual and long term variations of the circulation of the Argentine Basin and Drake Passage. Within WP4 we will examine the surface and subsurface structure of the Marine Heat Waves at the Brazil Malvinas Confluence which have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Furthermore, we will investigate variations in the Zapiola Anticyclone transport, a sort of a giant Taylor column in the center of the Argentine Basin that steers water masses with very different characteristics and is important in determining the characteristics of global deep water masses. Finally, variations and trends in the ACC fronts and volume transport at Drake Passage, an important climatic index, will be revisited with the new model and satellite tools.
BACI will contribute to the understanding of physical processes with large impacts on marine ecosystems and regional/global climate and will provide guidance for the improvement of altimetric data processing and operational models.
Role: Research Team
Funding Agency: Centre National D’Études Spatiales, France
IP: Camila Artana.
Dates: 01/03/2021-31/12/2024.
The Argentine Basin and the Drake Passage being amongst the most energetic regions of the world ocean, with a rich variety of fine-scale processes, are prominent places to test new experimental and retreated satellite products and upcoming high resolution (1/36°) simulations that are being developed respectively at CLS and Mercator Ocean. In addition, long time series are needed to study interannual variations and trends in these regions hosting unique oceanic features of prime importance for global circulation and marine ecosystems.
The BACI proposal aims to produce and use state-of-the-art satellite altimetry products (from Nadir measurements) and operational models in the Argentine Basin and Drake Passage.The proposal also aims at improving our knowledge of physical processes of this region in the light of the 30 years of satellite altimetry data, new retreated satellite data and operational models. Physical processes will be investigated at spatial scales ranging from 3 kilometers to the basin scale, from the surface to the subsurface and on time scales ranging from days to 30 years.
This project is organized in 4 work packages. The first two aim at producing and evaluating new experimental (CLS-CNES) and traditional products on the continental shelf and the shelf break and to assess the performance of the current and upcoming Mercator Ocean models. The third work package (WP3) focuses on processes with short spatio temporal scales. Within WP3 we will use a new regional model (1/36°) to better understand physical submesoscale and mesoscale processes. We will use the nadir observations from the fast sampling SWOT orbit phase to improve our understanding of waves propagating along the Patagonian shelf and bringing nutrients to the surface sustaining the rich biodiversity. In addition, we will study the influence of trapped waves on the position of the Brazil Malvinas Confluence, on the Malvinas Current transport and on the transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current at Drake Passage. The fourth work package (WP4) addresses interannual and long term variations of the circulation of the Argentine Basin and Drake Passage. Within WP4 we will examine the surface and subsurface structure of the Marine Heat Waves at the Brazil Malvinas Confluence which have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Furthermore, we will investigate variations in the Zapiola Anticyclone transport, a sort of a giant Taylor column in the center of the Argentine Basin that steers water masses with very different characteristics and is important in determining the characteristics of global deep water masses. Finally, variations and trends in the ACC fronts and volume transport at Drake Passage, an important climatic index, will be revisited with the new model and satellite tools.
BACI will contribute to the understanding of physical processes with large impacts on marine ecosystems and regional/global climate and will provide guidance for the improvement of altimetric data processing and operational models.
Role: Research Team
Funding Agency: Centre National D’Études Spatiales, France
IP: Camila Artana.
Dates: 01/03/2021-31/12/2024.