Sea Surface Temperature and Salinity Structure of Cold Upwelling Filaments Near Point Arena as Observed Using Continuous Underway Sampling Systems.
Abstract
Three quasi-synoptic maps of the surface expression of cold filaments off Point Arena, California were made during a pilot program cruise for the Coastal Transition Zone Experiment in June 1987. This thesis describes the sea surface temperature and salinity fields as observed by the continuous underway sampling system installed onboard the R/V POINT SUR. Transects across the survey region revealed the presence of three distinct filaments. Filament A was typically approx. 100 km wide, extended approx. 300 kilometers offshore and was characterized by 12.5-13.0 C temperatures and 32.7-33.0 parts/thousand salinities. It was observed as a persistent feature throughout the survey period. Imbedded within filament A were two smaller features. Filament B was 25- 30 km wide and appeared from imagery to have originated from the north near Cape Medicino. It was characterized by a 12.0 C and 32.7 parts/thousand signature. Filament C was a narrow, cold, more saline core of water originating in the coastal upwelling region near Point Arena. It was typically 15-25 km wide with temperatures from 10.8-11.3 C and salinities greater than 33.0 parts/thousand. Its surface signature was transient with a 6-10 day lifetime. All the observed filaments had boundaries characterized by strong surface temperature gradients ranging from 0.23 to 1.66. The gradient at the southern boundary of the filaments was much stronger than the gradient at the northern boundary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA201863
Entities
People
- Richard L. Snow
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School