Gulf Stream Fluctuations and Their Relation to the Winds off North Carolina,
Abstract
The Gulf Stream Meanders Experiment (ESME) produced two 4-month data sets of current fluctuations in the Gulf Stream over the continental slope off North Carolina. Wind speed and direction data were simultaneously collected at two offshore-moored data buoys and at Cape Hatteras. The location of the wind stations permitted calculation of the wind stress curl and divergence over the GSME area. Summary analysis results are presented here which show that there was no significant coherence between the wind or its curl or divergence and the weekly-scale current fluctuations typical of Gulf Stream meanders. There was marginally significant coherence between the wind and current fluctuations for 3- to 4-day periods. The calculated rate at which the fluctuating winds worked on the currents was insignificant compared to kinetic energy redistribution within the Stream. The direct action of the wind appears to be ruled out an an important energy source for subtidal Gulf Stream fluctuations in the GSME area. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP001039
Entities
People
- David A. Brooks
Organizations
- Texas A&M University