Observations of a summertime reversal in circulation in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Journal Article · Fri Mar 20 04:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC086iC03p02044· OSTI ID:6458126

Frisch, A S; Holbrook, J; Ages, A B

While measuring currents in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we recorded an unusual 3-day reversal in the surface current, from seaward to landward, in apparent response to the southerly winds of a coastal storm. The reversal was mointiored by four surface drifters and three moored current meter arrays that recorded the current at 20- to 130-m depths. Spatial details of the reversal patterns, mapped by an HF current-sensing radar at the boundary between the inward and outward flow, showed a complex surface-circulation pattern with a strong southerly flow toward New Dungeness Split. Although such reversals have been previously recorded in nonsummer months, their appearance in the summer, when coastal cyclonic storms are uncommon and river discharge is high, is unusual.

• Research Organization: NOAA, Wave Propagation Laboratory, Boulder, Colorado 80303
• OSTI ID: 6458126
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 86:C3; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580500* -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
COASTAL WATERS
COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN
CURRENTS
ESTUARIES
SURFACE WATERS
VARIATIONS
WATER CURRENTS
WATER WAVES
WIND