Physical oceanography
Date
1991
Authors
Amos, Anthony F.
Lavender, Margaret
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Description
The main objective of the physical oceanography program was to describe the upper ocean water structure around the Elephant Island area in relationship to the observed distribution of biological organisms. This was accomplished by measuring the vertical density profile of the waters to a depth of 750m (where possible) over (1) a coarse grid of 50 stations (Surveys A and D, Figure 3.1.1) around Elephant Island, (2) a finer-scale grid to the north of Elephant Island (Surveys Band C, Figures 3.1.2 and 3.1.3), (3) closely spaced stations along two sections extending across the shelf-break, also to the north of Elephant Island, and ( 4) by continuously monitoring the meteorological conditions along the ship's track to study mechanisms maintaining the upper mixed layer and pycnocline. The grids and transects were repeated on Leg II of the cruise.