Using LAUVs in highly dynamic environments: influence of the tidal estuarine outflow in the thermocline structure

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Abstract
Obtaining in situ data from highly dynamic tidal environments such as estuarine outflows is a challenging task. In the last few years technological development of submarine robotics has been key to oceanographic research. Due to the high spatial and temporal resolution provided and the exceptional maneuverability, LAUVs (Light Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) are instruments with the characteristics required to accomplish the task at hand. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the use of in situ data, collected by LAUVs, to characterize the Sado estuarine outflow in terms of its vertical thermohaline structure and changes over a semi-diurnal tidal cycle. Results show that water temperature distribution is both dependent on ebb/flood cycle and diurnal radiation, generating a temporary thermocline. However, the vertical water temperature structure presents significant spatial differences along the transect monitored by the LAUVs.

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