Upwelling Southwest of Iceland Due to Quasi-Geostrophic Flow

Abstract

Investigation of unusualoceanographic upwelling occurrences southwest of Iceland (64 deg N, 26 deg W) suggests causes due to quasi-geostrophic flow over submarine bathymetry. Complex circulation patterns occur in this region and no predominant pattern has been recognized to account for the upwelling . Two submarine canyons are located 30 km northeast of the approximate location of the upwelling center. It is postulated that quasi-geostrophic flow over the canyons and a resulting conservation of potential vorticity is the cause of the upwelling. Satellite imagery, hydrographic data, wind patterns, and mean currents all point to a temperature doming. This suggests a persistent bottom- generated feature. Submarine bathymetry appears to play the dominant role in the upwelling.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 22, 1990
Accession Number
ADA227129

Entities

People

  • Maria K. Filonczuk

Organizations

  • United States Naval Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aquatic Organisms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Fish
  • Geography
  • Measurement
  • Naval Operations
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Remote Sensing
  • Ridges
  • Satellite Imaging
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Surface Temperature
  • Terrain
  • Topography
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Oceanography.

Technology Areas

  • Space