Circulation of the California Undercurrent Near Monterey in May 1989
Abstract
The path of the California undercurrent off Monterey in May 1989 was studied using hydrographic data. Water mass analysis compared poleward flowing Undercurrent water with the southward flowing water of the California Current. Isopycnal surfaces and dynamics heights are compared with velocity, water mass properties and bathymetry. The California Undercurrent was observed to flow poleward off Monterey along the continental slope. Water properties that were almost strongly associated with water originating from equilateral regions were found at an average depth of 300 m with the core located between 5 and 25 km off the slope. The width of this water mass varied between approximately 10 and 50 km. These waters are deflected offshore by the Continental shelf topography at Pt. Sur, cross the Monterey Canyon, and turn cyclonically following the shelf past Santa Cruz and Pigeon Pt.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA237235
Entities
People
- Alan J. Robson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School