FOREWORD 
Description of oceanic thermal structure features, 50 to 100 kilo- 
meters in size, is a necessary initial step toward the development of 
detailed oceanographic analysis and prediction techniques suitable for 
Frequent oceanographic observations from aircraft 
Fleet utilization. 
supplemented by less-frequent observations from survey ships are used to 
Observed 
delineate spatial and temporal variation of mesoscale features. 
mesoscale conditions can be related to the large-scale circulation 
pattern in order to determine suitable thermal structure prediction 
techniques. 
This report illustrates the variability of the ocean northeast of 
Cape Hatteras, presents an operational analysis model for this area, 
and demonstrates the importance of using rapid remote sensing devices 
GIS 
F. L. SLATTERY 
Captain, U.S. Navy 
Commander 
to describe thermal structure. 
INN 
1 
OOL919y 
(NM 
Mui 
WA 
