Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE)

CODE is a four-year, multi-institutional effort to identify and study the important dynamical processes which govern the wind-driven motion of coastal water over the continental shelf. Two field experiments are being conducted one year apart in spring/summer to determine the kinematics and momentum and heat balances of the local wind-driven flow between Pt. Reyes and Pt. Arena. Moored recording instruments deployed for a period of four months observed such parameters as horizontal currents, bottom pressure, temperature, density and surface and bottom stress. These in situ observations were supplemented by drogue studies, hydrographic observations from ships and airborne meteorological observations. As a first step in the data acquisition, a digitally recording anemometer has been in operation at the Bodega Marine Laboratory since February 1980 and a digital sea level recorder has been in operation at the USCG pier in Bodega Bay since July 1980. An additional anemometer was later installed at Sea Ranch in June of 1981. The first intensive experiment took place between April and August 1981. This was essentially a pilot project, the results of which will be used to determine the optimal instrument deployment scheme for the second experiment which will take place between April and August of 1982. Although the project in its present form is concerned for the most part with physical processes, the CODE participants hope that these experiments will provide a framework in which biological, geological and chemical observations can be made.