New England Continental Shelf Dynamics Pilot Experiment,
Abstract
Current and sea level observations made on the New England continental shelf during several winter storms show that these short intense wind events dominate the circulation over the shelf, and account for most of the observed net flow. The observations show that large mass transports westward along the shelf were produced by strong westerly wind stresses, while an easterly stress produced little along-shore flow. Significant cross-shelf and along-shelf surface pressure gradients occur during the storms. A simple conceptual model is proposed to explain the observations. The following engineering and scientific aspects of the experiment are also presented: (a) mooring design; (b) field operations; (c) results of hydrographic and suspended sediment surveys; (d) force balances; and (e) spatial analysis of the observed current, sea level and meteorological variables. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0785257
Entities
People
- Bradford Butman
- Robert C. Beardsley
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology