The Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment (FASINEX); Part I: Background and Scientific Objectives

Abstract

The Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment (FASINEX) is a study of the response of the upper ocean to atmospheric forcing in the vicinity of an oceanic front in the subtropical convergence zone southwest of Bermuda, the response of the lower atmosphere in that vicinity to the oceanic front, and the response of the associated two-way interaction between ocean and atmosphere. FASINEX is planned for the winter and spying of 1985/86 with an intensive period in February and March 1986 in the vicinity of 27°N, 70°W, where sea-surface-temperature fronts are climatologically common. Measurements will be made from buoys, ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. This article gives a brief history of FASINEX and presents its scientific goals. An article in next month's BULLETIN will describe the experimental plan.