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Collaborators
WHOI – G. Gawarkiewicz,
J. Churchill
Project Summary
Strong shelf flows are found in close proximity with
large-scale deep ocean boundary currents in many areas of the world
oceans. The interaction of shelf
flows with an open-ocean boundary current can be of tremendous importance
as it often results in significant export of coastal water to the deep
ocean. However, the dynamics of
this interaction are not well understood, and may not be well represented
in regional or larger scale numerical models of ocean circulation. We propose a comprehensive study of the
interaction of the Gulf Stream with the
shelf-edge frontal jet of the Middle Atlantic Bight. This is likely the best know example of
shelf/boundary current interaction, but has not been the explicit focus
of a scientific study. Our study
will combine analysis of data from intensive field projects with
idealized and real-ocean numerical modeling. The modeling and data analysis will be
closely coupled. The data analysis providing insight to the processes
under consideration and be used to assess and refine the model’s
performance. The model will, in
turn, be used to examine the dynamics of the current interaction in a
much finer spatial and temporal detail than possible with actual
measurements. Our overall
objectives will be to better understand:
· The interaction
of the shelfbreak front, and frontal jet, with the Gulf Stream and atmospheric
forcing
· How the outer and
mid-shelf flow is influenced by atmospheric forcing and by incursions of
the Gulf Stream onto the mid- and upper-slope offshore
· How the shelf
dynamics is influenced by the narrowing shelf width approaching Cape Hatteras (considering
especially vorticity constraints and the changing role of Gulf Stream forcing on the
shelf currents)
When completed, our project will not only have forwarded the
understanding of the interaction of the Gulf Stream with the shelf break
frontal jet, but have led to a greater understanding of similar current
interactions that occur throughout the world’s oceans.
Results
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