CLIMODE-I Update
14 November 2005
2030Z

  RV Oceanus sailed from Woods Hole on November 9, 2005 to begin the field work of the
CLIMODE (Clivar Mode Water Dynamics Experiment).  The objectives of the cruise are
to deploy one surface mooring in the core of the Gulf Stream near the annual maximum in
air-sea heat exchange for Bob Weller, two moored profiler mooring on the southeastern edge
 of the Gulf Stream for Fiamma Straneo, two additional sound source moorings (the two moored
profiler moorings are also carrying sound sources) for Dave Fratantoni, launch surface
drfiters (Rick Lumpkin), deploy profiling APEX floats (Lynne Talley), deploy bobbing RAFOS floats (Dave Fratantoni),
and collect CTD profiles and water samples (Lynne Talley, Susan Lozier).
  Three CTD stations were occupied in rough weather on the way toward the site for the surface
mooring, and three APEX floats and one surface drifter were launched.  Well formed, relatively
persistent meanders were found when surveying the currents and ocean bottom topography
in the region of the surface mooring.  The surface mooring was deployed in a region of northward flow
of about 1.25 m/sec by keeping Oceanus' bow pointing south, deploying the surface buoy first, and
falling back toward the north.  The anchor was dropped at 21:18 UTC on November 13.
    After an acoustic survey to determine the position of the Oceanus is underway to the site (D) for
the deployment of the first moored profiler mooring.  One CTD has been taken along the way.
Fair weather and better sea conditions are favoring a smooth transit.

                                            Bob Weller
                                            Dave Fratantoni