Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Measurements of Surface Wave Decay and Directional Spectra in the Marginal Sea Ice Zone*

• DOI: 10.1175/jpo2979.1
• Publication Date: 2007-02-03T01:13:27Z
• Authors: Daniel R. Hayes; Adrian Jenkins; Stephen McPhail
• Keywords: Swell; Fast ice

Abstract In March 2003 several autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) missions were carried out under sea ice in the western Bellingshausen Sea. Data from upward-looking acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) on “Autosub” AUV indicate a strongly oscillating horizontal velocity of due to ocean swell. Swell period, height, direction, and directional spread have been computed every 800 m edge 10 km inward for three missions. Exponential, period-dependent attenuation waves propagating through was observed. Mean period increased with distance edge. The wave field refracted during propagation. does not seem relate edge, although higher frequencies tended be more spread. If suitably deployed, an ordinary ADCP may used this technique study both scalar properties open or ice-covered water.