Topographic rectification of tidal currents on the sides of Georges Bank
The rectification of M/sub 2/ tidal currents on the sloping sides of Georges Bank is predicted to make an important year-round contribution to its observed mean clockwise circulation. A rectification mechanism involving continuity and Coriolis effects, but regulated by bottom friction (Huthnance, 1973), is operative. Huthnance's (1973) depth-averaged theory for the along-isobath mean Eulerian current associated with this mechanism and with a second, purely frictional, mechanism is extended to include mean current-tidal current interaction, spatially-varying bottom friction and rotary tidal currents. The ratio of cross-isobath tidal excursion L/sub e/ to topographic length scale L is found to be an important nondimensional parameter in determining the degree of nonlinearity of the Coriolis mechanism. A significant Stokes velocity is associated with both rectification processes, so that, for the Coriolis mechanism, the mean Lagrangian current is only about two-thirds of the mean Eulerian current.
- Research Organization:
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4J1
- OSTI ID:
- 6816194
- Journal Information:
- J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States), Vol. 10:9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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