Long Wave Coupling of the Mid and South Atlantic Bights Forced by the Atmosphere,
Abstract
The eastern United States continental margin profile is relatively uniform throughout the Middle Atlantic Bight (Hatteras to Gulf of Maine), but in the South Atlantic Bight (Florida Keys to Hatteras) it bifurcates into an inner and outer slope region. Coastal tide gage records indicate that sea level oscillations with periods longer than one week can propagate southward as continental shelf waves in both Bights, thereby providing a coupling mechanism between the Bights. However, several-day period motions appear to be confined to the South Atlantic Bight and may result from backscattering of long wave energy by the variable topography and the Gulf Stream. The coastal sea level phase data for the several-day period motions is not easily attributable to a monochromatic propagating wave; rather, it appears that wave group properties may lead to a more consistent explanation of the phases. Cross-shelf and longshelf wind stress components were both strongly coupled to sea level fluctuations for long periods; short period motions were more closely associated with dynamic responses to atmospheric pressure fluctuations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA072282
Entities
People
- David A. Brooks
Organizations
- Texas A&M University