Variability of current, temperature, and bottom pressure across the West Florida Continental Shelf, winter 1981--1982

Journal Article · Fri May 20 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC088iC07p04439· OSTI ID:5890523

Marmorino, G O

Observations are analyzed from four current meter moorings deployed on the broad continental shelf in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico from November 29, 1981, to February 8, 1982 (71 days). Consistent with recent modeling studies, the shelf circulation responds within an inertial period to the alternating up-and-down-coast synoptic scale wind forcing. Average response to a 0.5 dyn cm/sup -2/ alongshore wind stress (as measured at the coast) is approx.20 cm s/sup -1/ off Cedar Key and approx.40 cm s/sup -1/ in the north where the shelf narrows (off Cape San Blas). Lower layer currents veer counterclockwise with depth, as in the bottom Ekman layer (e-folding scale approx.8 m). The pressure field decays offshore (e-folding scale approx.160 km) and yields a geostrophic current in good agreement with the observed alongshelf flow. Cross-shelf and vertical variations of the tidal signals compare nicely with results from barotropic theory. Calculations indicate that most of the shoreward propagating tidal energy must be dissipated in depths of <20 m (within 50 km of shore).

• Research Organization: Department of Oceanography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
• OSTI ID: 5890523
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:C7; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580500* -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
CURRENTS
FEDERAL REGION IV
FLORIDA
GULF OF MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
TIDE
USA
WATER CURRENTS
WIND