Outline of Research Cruises for
Oceanographic Research Vessel "MIRAI"
during fiscal year 2003
:: BACK

:: Cruise Code
MR03-K02

:: Main Research Theme
A study on the heat and material transports and their variability of the general ocean circulation

:: Objectives
The oceans play a central role in determining global climate. In order to understand their mechanisms realistically and quantitatively, structures and changes in ocean circulation, material transports and heat storage should be clarified.
Cooling and sinking of waters in the polar regions drive deep circulation. Finally the deep ocean water arrives in the North Pacific through the Wake Island Passage from the South Pacific. The main purpose of this research cruise is to evaluate material transports and heat storage of the deep water through the Wake Island Passage.

:: Outline of Observation
- Deployments of moorings (CTD, Temperature/Depth recorder, Current meter and ADCP etc.)
- Measurements of temperature, salinity, oxygen and current from surface to bottom using CTD/O2 with LADCP
- Water sampling using RMS (Salinity, Oxygen, Nutrients, Carbon related parameter etc.)
- Underway measurements (Shipborn ADCP, Bathymetry, Meteorological measurements etc.)


:: Main Research Area
Central North Pacific region (165E-175E, 10N-20N)

:: Port of Call
Sekinehama - Guam

:: Cruise Period
from 22nd May 2003 to 8th June 2003 (18 days)

:: Chief Scientist on Board
Hirofumi Yamamoto (Physical Oceanography)

:: Contact Person for questionnaire on this cruise
Hiroshi Uchida (Physical Oceanography)
Ocean Observation and Research Department
Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC)
2-15 Natsushima, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
Tel: +81-468-67-9474 Fax: +81-468-67-9455 E-mail: huchida@jamstec.go.jp

:: Remark(s)