Model of the summer progression of the cold-pool temperature in the Middle Atlantic Bight

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(1982)012<1030:AMOTSP>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6850006

Ou, H W; Houghton, R

A simple one-dimensional model (in the alongshelf direction) that incorporates spatially non-uniform heating, advection and initial temperature field is proposed to explain the summer progression of the cold-pool temperature in the Middle Atlantic Bight. The observed local cooling is shown to require an upstream cold water source at the onset of the heating season. The observed secondary temperature minimum that stagnates at the Hudson Shelf Valley and the observed thermal front in the New York Bight can be explained by the alongshelf variation of the heating rate which is attributed mainly to the varying shelf width and hence the heat capacity of the cold pool. Although the model is highly idealized, a crude simulation using the input functions inferred from data has reproduced all the gross features observed in the thermal field.

• Research Organization: Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76EV02185
• OSTI ID: 6850006
• Journal Information: J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 12:10; ISSN JPYOB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580500* -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
ADVECTION
ATLANTIC OCEAN
MASS TRANSFER
NEW YORK BIGHT
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION