Mapping the Mid-Atlantic Cold Pool evolution and variability with ocean gliders and numerical models

During the summer, distinctive, bottom-trapped, cold water mass called the Cold Pool resides over the mid to outer continental shelf in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB); strongly influencing parts of the ecosystem including important fisheries. Since 2003, repeated ocean glider temperature and salinity (TS) water property measurements along a seaward transect from the coast of New Jersey have helped to define the important variability in the cross-shelf structure of the Cold Pool there. To develop forecast capability, we need to better understand the relevant processes that control Cold Pool seasonal evolution and variability. To do this, we are now beginning to integrate ocean glider TS measurements with data assimilation models for the purpose of generating prototype Cold Pool forecast maps; with important support from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS). Here we report recent progress in having models assimilate zig-zag, along-shelf glider measurements of the Cold Pool. This year´s 2012 measurements are revealing a shelf and Cold Pool water, which appear to be as much as 1°C warmer than in previous years.