Scott's Research/Teaching/Cousework Plans

In my December committee meeting, I was advised to address question: "Is there evidence of diffuse flow in the Mixing Zephyr hydrographic data, and if so, can its source(s) be determined or distinguished?"  This was prioritized over both heat flux estimates from known vent fields or the Endeavour Segment, and examination of the multi-parameter "signatures" of different vent fluids.  

Pursuantly, here are some alternative hypotheses in which I'd like to frame my research, and a rough procedural outline:

The near bottom hydrographic features are:
(1)  an artifact of the anomaly calculation method
(2)  the result of conductive heat transfer from basalt to deep water
(3)  evidence of nearby low-buoyancy convection
(4)  a product of focussed-flow heat sources

January	
	Explore modelling options both in Dr. Rhine's lab, and with Dr. Lavelle at PMEL

	Initiate outreach program with REVEL educators
	Take Ocean Lithosphere II, Bio Ocean, and GFD Lab

February	
	Write 2 pages on the anomaly calculation method and its legitimacy; solicit feedback from Thomson, McDuff, Delaney, Lilley, etc

	Examine T,S,X signatures of the near bottom layer; do patterns emerge?

March	Develop a (lab) model for idealized low-buoyancy, diffuse venting into a stratified density field; examine radius of entrainment?

April	Take AMATH 403: Diff Eqns, and Geochemistry from Delaney/Kelley

May	Consider implications of model behavior for mass and heat transport, variability of past heat flux estimates, biological and chemical conditions in an advected plume.

June	Committee meeting