The Pegasus Program East of Cape Hatteras,
Abstract
Since September 1980 we have maintained a program of bimonthly sampling of the velocity structure of the Gulf Stream. Each section consists of a set of velocity and temperature profiles taken along a 150 - 200 km long line centered at 36 N, 73 W from the Slope Waters to the Sargasso Sea. The field program is designed to span two complete years. There are many scientific questions that motivate this effort. These include the determination of total mass transport, and the variations in mass and heat transport particularly with regard to the annual cycle. This will include a reexamination and redefinition of the corresponding integrals. We also expect to obtain rather accurate statistics on the mean and eddy kinetic energies in natural coordinates rather than geographical coordinates. Comparing the two should be instructive. Other objectives include a study of the local dynamics (lateral/vertical structure of the vorticity field Reynolds stresses and their role). We also hope to determine what coupling, if any, there exists between the baroclinic and barotropic (deep) components of motion. This is of interest for its own sake and for any reexamination of the many hydrographic sections that have been taken in the past. While we have only conducted very preliminary analyses of the uncorrected data thus far, this paper offers several observations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP001056
Entities
People
- . Tom Rossby
- Dan Halkin
Organizations
- University of Rhode Island