Synthesizing the Gulf Stream Thermal Structure from XBT Data
Abstract
Thirty-six XBT temperature profiles have been used in a parametric model introduced by Hendry to model the Gulf Stream's thermal structure at 65 deg W between 200 and 1200 dbar, with an rms residual error of 0.56 deg C. Velocity has been computed geostrophically relative to 1200 dbar, and has been included in calculating potential vorticity analytically from the model. The resulting potential vorticity section for 65 deg W has been compared with the analogous result from Hendry's parametric model at 59 deg W, as well as observed potential vorticity sections from 68 deg to 55 deg W. There is a significant feature in the potential vorticity structure at 65 deg W not found at 59 deg W, namely a relative minimum in potential vorticity along isopycnals, centered at the Gulf Stream's axis and 350 dbar. The modelled potential vorticity sections are consistent with the observations, including the downstream disappearance of this feature. The dynamical implications of these results are briefly discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279665
Entities
People
- Melinda M. Hall
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution