Low-frequency current variability on the southern mid-Atlantic bight

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(1979)009<1144:LFCVOT>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:5792629

Chuang, W; Wang, D; Boicourt, W C

Low-frequency current variability on the continental shelf, 84 km off the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, was examined from 4-month (mid-March to June 1975) current, sea level and meterological records. Taking into account the seasonal change in wind stress and stratification, the record was divided into two 60-day periods. In both periods, the transient alongshore currents were barotropic and coherent with sea level fluctuations.During the first period (March and April 1975), winds were in the east--west direction, and the shelf water was homogeneous. At time scales longer than 4 days, sea level was a large-scale feature (coherent over the entire Mid-Atlantic Bight). At shorter time scales, sea level was driven by the local, alongshore wind. In contrast, the cross-shelf current, which was mainly barotropic, was driven by the alongshore wind at all time scales.During the second period (May and June 1975), winds were in the north-south direction and the shelfwater was stratified. Sea level was mainly driven by the local alongshore wind at all time scales. The cross-shelf current, which was baroclinic at time scales longer than 4 days, and barotropic at shorter time scales, was also driven by the alongshore wind.The difference in response characteristics of the two periods indicate that circulation on the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight is strongly affected by local wind forcing, nonlocal effect, density stratification and the duration of alongshore wind.

• Research Organization: Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
• OSTI ID: 5792629
• Journal Information: J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 9:6; ISSN JPYOB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580500* -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
CURRENTS
LEVELS
SEA LEVEL
VARIATIONS
WATER CURRENTS
WIND