Coastal Surface Current Variability
Abstract
The goal of the research effort is to study the effects of Gulf Stream and Florida Current intrusions and tides over the continental slope on coastal surface current variability detected from the Ocean Surface Current Radar (OSCR). A key aspect of the research is to understand the role of subsurface structure on surface current signatures in the internal wave band. Specific objectives of the research are to: (1) Relate Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (INSAR) images of internal waves to the high frequency band oscillations found in OSCR fields including the internal wave strain rates; (2) Characterize time-space scales of the vertical structure current changes observed by OSCR, repeat track current profiles, and mooring data including comparisons of the vertical wavenumber spectra from ADCP profiles (with OSCR surface currents) to Garrett and Munk (1975) spectra; (3) Examine the mean flow shear and vorticity to determine their role on forcing internal waves; and, (4) Resolve the surface and subsurface tidal response, and relate differences in the semidiurnal tidal amplitudes to internal tides near or at the shelf break.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA539779
Entities
People
- Lynn K. Shay
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science