A Simple Model for the Near-Surface Currents in Robeson Channel,

Abstract

A simple, qualitative model is proposed to explain some of the prominent features in the near-surface current observations in Robeson Channel reported previously. The current profile associated with Kelvin waves in a homogeneous body of water in a channel is extended to a layered channel with sharp discontinuity in density. Initially only one interface at about 50 m is assumed to explain the near-surface current pattern. In addition to disrupting the vertical continuity of the transverse current, the interface is also assumed to respond to the transverse oscillations of the sea surface created by the tide moving in and out of the channel, thereby affecting the speed distribution of the lateral current. The characteristics of the resulting velocity distributions, both vertically and laterally across the channel, are shown to exhibit the observed near-surface velocity profile qualitatively.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA012527

Entities

People

  • R. K. Chow

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Continuity
  • Discontinuities
  • Motion
  • Observation
  • Oscillation
  • Transverse

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers