A distributed network of internal wave resolving moored arrays for assessing nonlinear internal wave processes in operational forecast models

The Office of Naval Research awarded Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a division of the University of California San Diego, $2.644 million on October 1, 2025, under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300) to develop and deploy a distributed network of internal wave resolving moored arrays for assessing nonlinear internal wave processes in operational forecast models. The award runs through September 30, 2028, with place of performance in California.

Scripps delivers continued analysis of data collected with existing internal wave resolving arrays and oversees deployment of two new arrays in the Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Bengal to sample tidal beams and complement regional observational networks. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a sub-grantee awarded $235,521 as of July 13, 2026, conducts continued analysis of existing array data and deploys two new internal wave resolving arrays—one in the Atlantic Ocean sampling the tidal beam emanating from the Amazon Shelf (Amazon Array) and one in the southern Bay of Bengal (BoB Array) within a strong tidal beam. Array design, instrumentation, and final deployment locations will be determined during year 1 based on numerical model predictions, regional bathymetry, mesoscale variability, and available partner assets; alternate sites such as the North Australian shelf may be assessed if primary locations prove logistically infeasible.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, awarded $59,739 as of April 29, 2026, provides scientific diplomacy and liaison with Indian institutions to facilitate Bay of Bengal mooring deployment and recovery, including port call clearances and visa coordination. UMass Dartmouth also supervises graduate student research on nonlinear internal solitary waves in the Bay of Bengal using multiple data streams during project years 2 and 3.