Measurements of Storm and Nonstorm Circulation in the Northern Adriatic: October 2002 Through April 2003
Abstract
Fifteen bottom-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers were deployed from October 2002 through April 2003 in the northern Adriatic Sea. Average transport from the portion of the Western Adriatic Current (WAC) along the Italian slope was 0.1470 +/- 0.0043 Sv, punctuated by bursts of more than twice that amount during storm events. Monthly means were calculated with times f strong wind-driven circulation excluded. These suggest a 2002/2003 seasonal separation consisting of October, December through February, and March through April. An extreme Po River flood influenced November conditions making seasonal categorization difficult. October generally had more kinetic energy and more vertical structure than other months, and near-inertial waves were more frequent in April and October. The Eastern Adriatic Current (EAC)/WAC system was clearly present in the means for all months. The cyclonic gyre north of the Po River was present October through February. Generally, in the WAC, over 50% of kinetic energy came from vertically uniform monthly mean flows. Strengthening of both EAC and WAC also occurs during sirocco storms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA475409
Entities
People
- Henry Perkins
- Jeffrey W. Book
- Richard P. Signell
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory