Statistical Features of the Oceanographic Area Off South-Western Australia with Application to Real-Time Analysis.
Abstract
A statistical analysis has been made for 25 years of bathythermograph (BT) data to 1980 for the south-west Australian area bounded by 30-35 deg S, 110-115 deg E, the region of the Leeuwin current. BT numbers are low and biassed to the east but useful results appear to have been obtained. Principal results indicated are that a mixed-layer exists all year round of average value 55 + or - 35 metres, with 98% of depths being less than 150m. The mixed-layer is deepest in mid-year, particularly for July to September. Correlation coefficients indicate that sea-surface temperature (SST) and temperature values to 200m depth are highly related in mid-year in both eastern and western parts of the area separated by 113 deg E. Correlations of mixed-layer-depth (MLD) and SST are noticeably high only in the western part, during January to March (summer), and April to June (autumn). Long-term averaged temperature fields are broadly related from the surface to 200m depth, and resemble those found by Andrews (1983) for four summer cruises. Results obtained are used to infer that, especially in mid-year, SST patterns can be expected to be related to subsurface temperature patterns, which may be representative of flow structure. In part 2 of the report data sources for the area suitable for a real-time oceanographic analysis scheme are examined, and the feasibility of setting up such a scheme in the near future is discussed. Keywords: Ocean currents; Expendable bathythermograph data; Australia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA180141
Entities
People
- L. J. Hamilton