Outline of Research Cruises for Research Vessel
"MIRAI"
during fiscal year 2004 |
 |
| 1. Cruise code : |
|
|
2. Main research theme: |
Leg-1 The Study of Air-Sea Interaction in the Tropics
Leg-2 Observational Studies in the Western Tropical Pacific Ocean |
|
3. Objectives: |
Leg-1
The aim of the cruise is to obtain the various data especially focussing
on precipitation to reveal the precipitation mechanism of the convections
developed over the warm pool in the tropical western Pacific region,
where air-sea interaction is very active. The evaluation of the precipitation
effect onto the ocean surface structure is also important theme of this
study. Meso-scale (O(100km)) convective systems developed over the off-equatorial
region are main target to be captured.
Leg-2
For the purpose of understanding the role of the warm water pool to EI
Nino and Asian Monsoon, which affect the social and economical activities
in the East Asian countries including Japan, we will conduct the observational
studies on the oceanic and atmospheric variability. The major theme is
to clarify the heat, freshwater and momentum balances in the surface
mixed layer in the warm water pool in the western pacific Ocean as well
as the eastern Indian Ocean. |
|
4. Outline of observation: |
Leg-1
Stationary observation will be conducted east of the off Palau for most
observation period in the leg-1. Using satellite data, we will decide
the observational site just before the cruise. Continuous Doppler radar
observation and the launch of radiosonde every 3 hours are the main observation
items. In addition, CTD casting down to 500m depth, shipboard ADCP, surface
meteorological measurement, ceilometer observation will also be conducted
routinely.
Leg-2
The major works are to deploy and recover surface moored TRITON buoys
and subsurface moored ADCP buoys. The TRITON buoys will be deployed and
recovered three along 147E and six along 156E in the western tropical
Pacific Ocean. This cruise is focusing on obtaining oceanic and atmospheric
physical parameters. CTD measurements will be carried out in the buoy
deployment area with a water sampler which 12 sampling bottles of 12-litter
down to 1000 m. |
|
5. Main research area: |
| Leg-1 |
Stationary observation will be conducted in the range
of 135E-140E, 5N-10N. Observation fixed site will be determined prior
to the cruise. |
| Leg-2 |
137E-156E, 10N-5S
(TRITON buoy sites are 156E : 8N, 5N, 2N, 0, 2S, 5S; 147E : 5N, 2N, 0,
; 5N137E, and 2N138E) |
|
6. Ports of call: |
Port of departure :
|
Chuuk, F.S.M.
(Leg.1) |
| Port of call : |
Palau
(Leg.2) |
| Returning port : |
Sekinehama, Japan |
|
7. Cruise period: |
12 December 2004 - 19 February 2005 (69 days)
Leg.1 : 12 December 2004 - 12 January 2005 (32 days)
Leg.2 : 14 January 2005 - 19 February 2005 (37 days) |
|
8. Chief scientist on board: |
Leg-1 Kunio Yoneyama
Leg-2 Kentaro Ando |
|
9. Contact person for questionnaire on this cruise: |
Leg-1
Kunio Yoneyama
Ocean Observation and Research Department Japan Marine Science and Technology
Center (JAMSTEC)
2-15, Natsushima, Yokosuka, 237-0061, JAPAN
Phone: +81-46-867-9465, Fax: +81-46-867-9455, E-mail: yoneyamak@jamstec.go.jp
Leg-2
Kentaro Ando
Ocean Observation and Research Department Japan Marine Science and Technology
Center (JAMSTEC)
2-15, Natsushima, Yokosuka, 237-0061, JAPAN
Phone: +81-46-867-9462, Fax: +81-46-867-9455, E-mail: andouk@jamstec.go.jp
|
|
|