Measuring Rapid Climate Changes
Aanderaa Instruments has delivered eleven RCM 11 current meters to the RAPID-project, an extensive programme started by Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC). The six-year research programme aims to establish a pre-operational prototype system to continuously observe the strength and structure of the Gulf Stream.
The Southampton scientists will use RCM 11s from Aanderaa to measure changes in the water volume transported by the Gulf Stream from the warm areas off Florida to northern parts of Europe. If the quantity of water is reduced, the transport of heat will be reduced accordingly, resulting in a colder climate in Northern Europe.
Scientists want to establish a sound, reliable and correct way to observe the strength and structure of the Gulf Stream. As a result the ability to monitor and predict future rapid climate changes, particularly in the North Atlantic region, will be enhanced. This will be achieved by undertaking improved observations of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation and the processes that govern it.
The heat transport maximum is just off Florida. Aanderaa’s eleven RCM 11 current meters will be used here in the top 3,000 metres of the water column of the deep western boundary current and be part of monitoring the depth profile. The RCM 11s will measure current speed, current direction, water temperature, pressure and salinity.
