Measurement of Surface Currents Around an Eddy.

Abstract

A closed eddy off East Australia was surveyed during the period 8-13 December 1974 by HMAS KIMBLA. A comparison of dead reckoning data with a series of satellite navigation fixes yielded a series of total current measurements around the eddy. These observed values are compared to the current vectors expected from the measured dynamic height topography. The comparison gives the average enhancement factor applicable to normal geostrophic current due to centrifugal force around the eddy. The factor 1.25 is shown to be consistent with the eddy dimensions and related to the Rossby radius of deformation. The data are also analysed for a mean barotropic flow, giving a value for the mean eddy motion of 5 + or - 5 cm/sec to 045 deg + or - 45 deg. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA056221

Entities

People

  • Carl S. Nilsson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Australia
  • Centrifugal Force
  • Chemistry
  • Curvature
  • Dead Reckoning
  • Department Of Defense
  • Geostrophic Currents
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Pressure Gradients
  • Sea Water
  • Topography
  • Wind Velocity

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Geodesy
  • Oceanography.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster