Figure 1: Schematic of RAPID Array in relation to meridional overturning circulation pattern
The RAPID-MOCHA observing system consists of the following in-situ elements, which link together and integrate the U.S. and U.K. contributions to the total observing system (Fig. 1):
The overall strategy for monitoring the MOC relies on deep water endpoint “dynamic height” moorings on either side of the basin to monitor the basin-wide geostrophic shear, combined with observations from clusters of moorings up the western (Bahamas) and eastern (African) continental margins, and direct measurements of the flow though the Straits of Florida. Ekman transports derived from satellite winds are then combined with the geostrophic and direct current observations and an overall mass conservation constraint to continuously estimate the basin-wide AMOC strength and vertical structure.
Figure 2: Western boundary array deployed off Abaco, Bahamas at 26.5ºN from 2014 to 2023, superimposed on the mean meridional current field derived from shipboard LADCP sections.
