Environmental Guide to the Virginia Capes Operating Area
Abstract
The general oceanography of the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) area is discussed with particular emphasis on near-surface thermal structure of water masses and oceanic fronts. Warm, saline Gulf Stream-Water, identified by temperature equal to or greater than 15 Celsius (C) at the 200-meter (m) level, is characterized by mean monthly sea surface temperature (SST) and sonic layer depth (SLD) ranging from 21 C and 78 m, respectively, in winter to 28 C and 25 m in summer. Slope Water, identified by temperatures between 9 and 15 C at the 200-m level, is characterized by a temperature inversion in spring and mean monthly SST and SLD ranging from 11 C and 203m, respectively, in winter to 25 C and 6m in summer. Relatively fresh Shelf Water, found on the Continental Shelf between the 30-m and 200-m isobaths, is characterized by a positive in-layer temperature gradient in winter and mean monthly SST ranging from 7 C in winter to 25 C in summer. SLD is at the bottom in winter and is 3m in summer. Two major oceanic fronts occur in the VACAPES area: the northern edge of the Gulf Stream separating Gulf Stream Water from Slope Water and the slope front separating Shelf Water from Slope Water.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA102092
Entities
People
- Alvan Fisher Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office