Current meter data from towed ADCP from ALIS in the TOGA Area - Pacific Ocean (30 N to 30 S) from 1992-11-03 to 1992-12-05 (NCEI Accession 9600018)

This dataset includes current meter data collected using towed ADCP from ALIS in the in the TOGA Area - Pacific Ocean (30 N to 30 S) from 1992-11-03 to 1992-12-05.

The oceanographic cruise EQUALIS, a joint operation between the two international projects JGOFS (Joint Global Ocean Flux Study) and TOGA COARE was organized by the FLUPAC group of the Centre ORSTOM de Noumea, New Caledonia, with participation and collaboration of Japanese and Australian scientists.

The cruise was carried out from 3 November through 12 December 1992 (Noumea to Noumea) on board the ORSTOM research vessel ALIS and consisted of two fixed stations at 156 15E, 1 30S (for 10 days from 12 - 22 November 1992) and 156 10E, 1 45S (for 8 days from 27 November - 6 December 1992), interrupted for one day (27/28 November) for intercomparison of meteorological measurements with the Australian research vessel Franklin.

Towed ADCP observations were carried out onboard the vessel moving slowly around or anchored on station. The towed body, which includes a 150 kHz RD Instruments' ADCP, was suspended down to shallow depth through a rope from surface floats. The data obtained from the downward looking ADCP were transferred in real time through a RS-422 link to a computer on the Alis.

Data were submitted by Hiroshima University; Faculty of Fish and Animal Husbandry as part of the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE). Data were processed by NODC to the NODC standard Current Meter Data (F015) format.

The F015 format is used for time series measurements of ocean currents. These data are obtained from current meter moorings and represent Eulerian method of current measurement, i.e., the meters are deployed at a fixed point and measure flow past a sensor. Position, bottom depth, sensor depth, and meter characteristics are reported for each station. The data record comprises values of east-west (u) and north-south (v) current vector components at specified date and time. Current direction is defined as the direction toward which the water is flowing with positive directions east and north and negative directions west and south. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering and are typically reported at 10-15 minute time intervals. Water temperature, pressure, and conductivity or salinity may also be reported. A text record is available for optional comments.