2009 Biennial (PDF, 12 MB) - Applied Physics Laboratory-University ...

the LABoRAtoRy
In a study of the equatorial cold tongue in the eastern Pacific, where the sea surface
temperature anomaly indicates an El Niño or La Niña, a research team deployed a buoy
outfitted with 34 sensors and encountered a large amplitude, westward propagating
tropical instability wave and astounding new features of equatorial turbulence mixing. The
new observations will improve predictions of the phase and strength of the climate cycles.
Polar scientists who have been monitoring the Greenland ice sheet for several
years with satellites and sensors placed on the glacial surface report compelling new
observations. The meltwater lakes that form on the surface each summer can drain to
the ice sheet’s base with a flow intensity greater than Niagara Falls. With so much water
injected below so quickly, the 3-km thick ice sheet actually rises several feet. The water’s
lubrication causes the glacier to slip faster toward the sea, but only temporarily.
The U.S. Navy civilian laboratory system is facing a growing problem of replacing
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals. Under the Office of
Naval Research the Laboratory has completed an initial effort to address the deficit of
STEM professionals. Adopting the Navy’s practice of long-term planning for difficult
problems, a strategic plan has been developed that leverages existing programs and
incorporates new thinking and tactics.
Honors, Awards, & Celebrations
Thomas Sanford was named a Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations
Chair of Oceanographic Sciences in 2008. The award recognizes his reputation as
an international leader in physical oceanography, the broad support of his research
programs across many sponsoring agencies, and his collaborations to develop
instruments and collect field observations. Sanford was also presented the IEEE/
Oceanic Engineering Society’s 2008 Distinguished Technical Achievement Award.
The society cited his novel measurements and interpretation of physical signals in the
ocean, and lauded his work as bearing “… the signature of a creative, imaginative mind
and independent thinker.”
Fred Karig received a Commander-in-Chief Fleet’s Commendation from the British
Royal Navy recognizing his exceptional dedication and skill while aiding injured British
sailors after a submarine accident at the spring 2007 APL-UW Ice Station. “Mr. Karig’s
experience in this harsh Arctic environment, and more particularly his strong leadership
and lack of regard for his own safety, were instrumental in saving the life of a badly
injured man and in assisting the submarine to recover from a most serious incident.”
Peter Dahl was elected to the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Executive Council
in 2008. At its October 2009 meeting the ASA presented Director Emeritus Robert
Spindel the Silver Medal in Acoustical Oceanography, recognizing his implementation
of ocean acoustic tomography and basin scale acoustic thermometry.
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the LABoRAtoRy