FSU's Deep Microstructure Profiler (DMP), a customized version of RSI's VMP-5500 deep ocean profiler, was used extensively in Prey Field Mapping Study at the Tongue of the Ocean near the Bahamas. The DMP provided turbulent mixing information in support of acoustic biomass measurements that were conducted near N25.0, W77.5 between September 15 and October 1, 2008.
The DMP system was used to make 35 profiles of turbulent microstructure and hydrographic finestructure down to 1500 m depth. All data were of excellent quality, and have been preliminarily processed. While a more thorough analysis is needed, FSU researcher Lou St. Laurent is convinced that the turbulence measurements reveal several interesting, previously undiscovered, aspects of the turbulence characteristics in TOTO area. The collected turbulence data are the first substantial observations in connection with an extensive prey field survey, enabling the physical and biological oceanographers to conduct a systematic study relating small scale turbulence and predator-prey interaction.
For further information, please contact the FSU Ocean Mixing Laboratory.