The Division of Applied Marine Physics (AMP) is concerned with the study of fundamental and applied fluid mechanics in the ocean, especially near the air-sea interface and in coastal regions, and the study and application of acoustic and electromagnetic ocean remote sensing techniques. Research in AMP involves theory, numerical modelling, field experiments, laboratory experiments, instrument development and data analysis. Examples of research activities in AMP are: numerical modelling of coastal ocean circulation; studies of nearshore sediment transport; investigation of problems associated with air-sea coupling; extraction of surface currents and directional wave spectra from radar backscatter measurements; theoretical and experimental studies of ocean acoustic propagation and scattering; and the use of crosswell tomographic techniques to measure geoacoustic properties. The AMP academic program is built on the core disciplines of fluid mechanics and wave mechanics. The latter includes elastic and electromagnetic waves, as well as acoustic, surface gravity and other types of waves in fluids.
Facilities and Laboratories include:
The ASIST tank
The Air-Sea Interaction Salt-water Tank (ASIST) is a unique laboratory facilty for studying physical, chemical and biological processes at or near the air-sea interface using state-of-the-art technology. The facility is comprised of a recirculating wind tunnel above a salt-water-capable wave tank. Waves can be generated by wind or programmable wavemakers at either end of the tank. Instrumentation includes: a particle image velocimetry system to measure the flow in both air and water; laser elevation and slope guages; a C-band Doppler radar; hot film anemometers and velocimeters; and infrared absorbtion gas analyzers.
The Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS) is a receiving and analysis facility for X-band satellite data. Sensors will soon include RADARSAT, ERS-2, SPOT, LANDSAT, AVHRR, ENVISAT, SSMI and EOS. Uses include both basic studies of the land, ocean and atmosphere, and applications to environmental monitoring, natural hazard assessment and civil defense. The divisions of MGG and MPO are also actively involved in CSTARS activities.
The Ocean Acoustic Observatory is a semi-permanent acoustic range installed off the coast of Dania, Fl that is hard-wired to a shore station. The range is used in both active and passive modes. Continuous records of acoustic fluctuations are available in real time for basic studies of sound propagation and scattering, and applications to surveilance and monitoring.
The Radar Ocean Sensing Laboratory (ROSL) is concerned with radar remote sensing of the sea surface. Researchers from the Division of MPO also participate. The Ocean Surface Current Radar (OSCR) system is used to measure and study ocean surface currents and directional wave spectra. Complementary satellite-based scatterometric and altimetric measurements of wind speed and direction, and wave height are also of interest.
Low frequency acoustic instrumentation
The Ocean Prediction Experimental Laboratory (OPEL) uses numerical models to study the circulation of the coastal ocean, and marginal and semi-enclosed seas. The focus is on experimental nowcast/forecast systems for realistic regional domains. Of interest are: model-data comparisons; model-model comparisons; data assimilation; coastal ocean-atmosphere coupling; transport processes; and applications to oil spills, water quality and ecosystems dynamics.
The Geoacoustic Laboratory is concerned with the study of sound propagation in marine sediments. Both theoretical studies and field work are conducted. Much of the work is concerned with developing new techniques to remotely sense the physical properties of marine sediments including interface roughness, density, shear and bulk moduli, porosity and permeability.
Contact Information
Prof. Mark A. Donelan
RSMAS/AMP
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Cswy
Miami, FL 33149
tel: (305) 421-4717
fax: (305) 421-4701
mdonelan@rsmas.miami.edu
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