New T/S profile sampling and drifter release proposal/discussion

Question: What is the circulation pattern (both at surface and depths) and the associated T/S gradient for the western flank of the cyclonic eddy?

Proposal I: Repeat sampling of the T/S profiles from the center of the sound to the NW and SW directions (approximately 45 degrees)

Proposal II: Release drifters (both surface, 1-m and 10-m, 40-m) along the path of the western flank of the cyclonic eddy

Assessment: (after this morning's telecon, talking to Carter over the phone, and going through all the data and model we have to this point)

Your should check out the hourly maps of surface current from HF radar, http://ak.aoos.org/output/CODAR/PWSS/200907/, both July 29 and 30. While the eastern flank of the cyclonic is robust with significant T/S gradient, the western flank of the eddy is not well established; this is true for both HF radar and ROMS. There are also increasing data drop out during the past day or so near the western sound. To have more drifter data along the western flank will fill the gaps of the HF radar data in this area.

The ROMS surface salinity is saltier than the measurements, suggesting the fresh-water input is under-estimated by the model. For example, those fresh-water inflow from glaciers are not represented in the model; we simply don't know how much fresh-water coming under the glaciers. More salinity profiles along the western flank of the eddy will help the model to establish the T/S gradient.

Given the limited boat-time, there is no need to sample the eastern flank of the eddy, so the boat can turn around at the center of the sound, see the attached image.

Let me know if you have any questions.