Flow Mow - CTD Objectives

Prioritized Objectives

1. Execute vertical casts to establish N, T-S, and sound velocity profiles, starting ~10km ESE of MEF and proceeding to the axis at MEF.

2. Survey the sides of the Main Endeavour Field "box," measuring T, S, and P with the navigated CTD. (These data will be combined later with the current meter measurements to calculate horizontal heat fluxes. Additionally, and as an ABE backup, it may be possible to mount the MAVs on the CTD cage...)

3. Explore the prioritized instability locations (of Veirs et al, 1999) for evidence of off-axis venting and/or additional along-axis vents (see map at right for an overview of all instabilities detected (black +'s) and their estimated source locations (red circles))

4. Monitor the stratification (N) between (and above) fields along-axis throughout the FlowMow survey period to assess the extent of hydrothermal contamination and along-axis advection...

5. Run VOT's to generate flux estimates ala Thompson (92) and compare results... (again, need velocity estimates for this...)

6. Intermittently assess buoyancy frequency and rise height above MEF in order to verify zmax~(B^0.25)/(N^0.75)? (See Cherkaoui et al, 97) (Some measurement of the local velocity field would illuminate the effect of bent over plumes aka Middleton model...)