On the effects of buoyancy flux on continental shelf circulation

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(1979)009<0911:OTEOBF>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:5213730

Pietrafesa, L J; Janowitz, G S

The effects of surface buoyancy flux, atmospheric wind stress and bottom topography on the horizontal and vertical structure of the density and alongshore velocity fields over a continental shelf are investigated within the context of a two-dimensional steady-state model. Using an iterative procedure, similarity solutions are obtained which include the important nonlinear advective effects in the density diffusion equation. In the absence of a wind stress, a reasonable value for the surface buoyancy flux produces alongshore velocities on the order of 20 cm s/sup -1/ and an upwelling-like vertical plane circulation. The depth variation across the shelf significantly affects the vertical structure of the density and velocity fields. The introduction of upwelling favorable winds decreases the horizontal density gradient and its associated baroclinic current. A simple physical explanation for this effect, based on heat conservation, is presented.

• Research Organization: North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh
• DOE Contract Number: AS09-76EV00902
• OSTI ID: 5213730
• Journal Information: J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 9:5; ISSN JPYOB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
580500 -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
CURRENTS
FLOW RATE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
TOPOGRAPHY
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
UPWELLING
VELOCITY
WATER CURRENTS
WIND