Application of drifting buoys in ocean research.

Since January 1980, nine drifting buoys tracked by satellites have been deployed to investigate surface current structure in the Kuroshio region. This buoy-tracking experiment is being carried out by the Hydrographic Department of Japan using the ARGOS system. The comparison of buoy positions determined by the satellites with the known position of land shows satisfactory accuracy. The estimated wind effect on the drifting speed and course of the buoys is almost negligible in the Kuroshio region. Hence, the trajectories of our buoys can be considered to indicate the real flow. The gross feature of flow pattern depicted by the buoys' trajectories is generally in agreement with the classical concept of ocean circulation. However, many unexpected mesoscale perturbations are found in the general flow pattern, which suggests vigorous activities of eddies and meanders. One of surprising behaviour is the cyclonic revolutions which continued for approximate 200 days in the area east of Okinawa Island. The existence of the cold eddy suggested by the buoy’s cyclonic movement was confirmed by later hydrographic observations. It is the first time such a cold eddy was detected in this area. Buoy tracking proved that it is a very useful method for measuring surface currents, especially in regions where usual ship observation is ineffective,and our knowledge about ocean currents is still meager.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Ishii, Haruo, Saruwatari, Ryoki, Ueno, Yoshizo, Kuramoto, Shigeki, Nishida, Hideo
Format:	Journal Contribution biblioteca
Language:	Japanese
Published:	1982
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/1834/16262
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