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the Keesler Air Force base; these planes are modi? ed for col- damaged by the storm’s fury. While a ? oat was at the surface, lecting weather information in hurricanes. Several US gov- its data transmissions were received by the Teledyne dataser- ernment agencies that monitor and predict hurricanes helped ver. The EM-APEX ? oats recorded more than 600 pro? les with the air deployment. Teledyne Marine provided hosting over six days. This data stream helped researchers to under- services for all data transmitted from the deployed ? oats, as stand and predict the characteristics of a major hurricane, as well as other technical support. well as to see, in near real-time, how the ocean responded to

The pro? ling patterns of the EM-APEX ? oats varied during energetic atmospheric forcing. the deployment. For 12 hours before the hurricane’s arrival, the ? oats continually cycle between the surface and 800 m Protecting Coastal Communities depth. Once the hurricane arrived, the ? oats switched to cy- The preceding accounts exemplify the remarkable advanc- cling between 30 m and 300 m depth thereby avoiding the es in ocean observing capabilities that have come from un- hazardous, highly energized surface region while still acquir- manned observing platforms. These portable, mobile devices ing upper-ocean data. have been used to take extended measurements in waters that

After the hurricane had passed, the ? oats cycled between the are too challenging for ships and too hazardous for humans. surface and 500 m depth. This pattern resolved near-inertial Gliders and pro? ling ? oats permit assessing and reporting waves, which are the most energetic feature in a storm’s wake. in near real-time the hostile ocean conditions beneath hurri-

Near-inertial motions have enhanced velocity shear, making canes and typhoons. In addition to the value of these data for them a key driver for vertical mixing processes. ocean research, their informational content delivers important

The EM-APEX ? oats were deployed about 12 hours before societal bene? t. They have contributed to more accurate pre- the hurricane arrived at their location. During the campaign, dictions of storms’ landfall and strength, thereby protecting the desired pro? ling cycles in all three phases were executed coastal communities, reducing unnecessary defensive expens- correctly, ensuring that none of the EM-APEX ? oats were es, and even saving lives.

Credit: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julianne M. Showalter, DVIDS. The appearance of U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement www.marinetechnologynews.com

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