SUBSURFACE CURRENTS OFF CAPE HATTERAS.
Abstract
In October 1962, direct current measurements at depths of 800 m to 2500 m beneath the zone of swiftest surface currents near Cape Hatteras revealed a subsurface flow to the south. Analyses of temperaturesalinity and dissolved oxygen distributions indicate that the immediate source of the southward flowing water was the region east of Cape Hatteras between the Gulf Stream and the Continental Slope. These measurements seem to affirm that continuity exists between the deep westward flow observed in the Slope Water Region by VOLKMANN and the southward flow east of Cape Romain, near 33 degree N, reported by SWALLOW and WORTHINGTON. The geostrophic volume transport of the southward flow was between 4 million and 12 million cu m/sec. The surface of zero axial velocity was at a depth of about 500 m at the left side of the region of swift surface current (inshore), and deepened rapidly in the offshore direction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0618768
Entities
People
- Joseph R. Barrett Jr.
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution