The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Meddies in the Northern Canary Current System

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Meddies in the Northern Canary Current System PDF Author: Patrick J. Murray
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781423536468
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 114

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Book Description
To investigate the role of planetary beta on classical as well as unique features in the northern Canary Current System (NCCS), four numerical experiments are conducted with varying Coriolis parameterizations (f-plane or beta plane). The first two experiments use a closed boundary and annual salinity forcing for the Mediterranean Outflow (MO). The latter two experiments use an open Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar and seasonal forcing for MO to permit a more accurate investigation of the role of the beta effect on subsurface spreading of MO and Meddies. All four experiments use seasonal climatological winds and seasonal thermohaline gradients along the western boundary to force the model. Experiments run on a beta-plane (Experiments 2 and 4) accurately portray classical eastern boundary current (EBC) mesoscale features. In addition, these experiments depict unique NCCS features associated with a large embayment (the Gulf of Cadiz), poleward spreading of MO, and the generation of Meddies. Experiments run on an f-plane (Experiments 1 and 3) show the unrealistic dominance of a continuously strengthening equatorward jet that inhibits development of classical EBC and unique NCCS features. The complex upper layer and subsurface flow regimes of Experiment 4 most realistically portray currents, mesoscale features and Meddies similar to NCCS observations.

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Meddies in the Northern Canary Current System

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Meddies in the Northern Canary Current System PDF Author: Patrick J. Murray
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781423536468
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 114

Get Book Here

Book Description
To investigate the role of planetary beta on classical as well as unique features in the northern Canary Current System (NCCS), four numerical experiments are conducted with varying Coriolis parameterizations (f-plane or beta plane). The first two experiments use a closed boundary and annual salinity forcing for the Mediterranean Outflow (MO). The latter two experiments use an open Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar and seasonal forcing for MO to permit a more accurate investigation of the role of the beta effect on subsurface spreading of MO and Meddies. All four experiments use seasonal climatological winds and seasonal thermohaline gradients along the western boundary to force the model. Experiments run on a beta-plane (Experiments 2 and 4) accurately portray classical eastern boundary current (EBC) mesoscale features. In addition, these experiments depict unique NCCS features associated with a large embayment (the Gulf of Cadiz), poleward spreading of MO, and the generation of Meddies. Experiments run on an f-plane (Experiments 1 and 3) show the unrealistic dominance of a continuously strengthening equatorward jet that inhibits development of classical EBC and unique NCCS features. The complex upper layer and subsurface flow regimes of Experiment 4 most realistically portray currents, mesoscale features and Meddies similar to NCCS observations.

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Meddies in the Northeren Canary Current System

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Meddies in the Northeren Canary Current System PDF Author: Patrick J. Murray
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 98

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Book Description
To investigate the role of planetary beta on classical as well as unique features in the northern Canary Current System (NCCS), four numerical experiments are conducted with varying Coriolis parameterizations (f-plane or beta plane). The first two experiments use a closed boundary and annual salinity forcing for the Mediterranean Outflow (MO). The latter two experiments use an open Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar and seasonal forcing for MO to permit a more accurate investigation of the role of the beta effect on subsurface spreading of MO and Meddies. All four experiments use seasonal climatological winds and seasonal thermohaline gradients along the western boundary to force the model. Experiments run on a beta-plane (Experiments 2 and 4) accurately portray classical eastern boundary current (EBC) mesoscale features. In addition, these experiments depict unique NCCS features associated with a large embayment (the Gulf of Cadiz), poleward spreading of MO, and the generation of Meddies. Experiments run on an f-plane (Experiments 1 and 3) show the unrealistic dominance of a continuously strengthening equatorward jet that inhibits development of classical EBC and unique NCCS features. The complex upper layer and subsurface flow regimes of Experiment 4 most realistically portray currents, mesoscale features and Meddies similar to NCCS observations.

Planetary and Topographic Beta Effects on the Northern Canary Current System (NCCS)

Planetary and Topographic Beta Effects on the Northern Canary Current System (NCCS) PDF Author: Wendy A. Towle
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781423523710
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 97

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Book Description
To investigate planetary and topographic beta effects on classical as well as unique features in the northern Canary Current system (NCCS), several numerical experiments using the Princeton Ocean Model are explored To isolate the dependence of Coriolis parameterization (beta-plane vs, f-plane) from the topographic beta effect, the first (last) two experiments use a flat bottom (topography), In all experiments, classical eastern boundary condition (EBC) features are produced including an offshore surface equatorward meandering jet, coastal surface and subsurface poleward currents, upwelling, meanders, eddies and filaments, Due to the beta effect, the surface coastal jet does not have to be confined to within a Rossby radius of deformation of the coast, The beta effect also plays an important role in the development and westward propagation of Meddies, a unique feature of the NCCS, Bottom topography is shown to play an important role in narrowing, intensifying, and trapping coastal currents, These results show that, while wind forcing is the primary mechanism for generating classical EEC features, planetary and topographic beta also play important roles in the generation, evolution, and maintenance of classical as well as unique features in the NCCS,

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Eddies in the Leeuwin Current System

The Role of the Planetary Beta Effect on Currents and Eddies in the Leeuwin Current System PDF Author: Troy J. Tworek
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781423534174
Category : Eddies
Languages : en
Pages : 182

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Book Description
To investigate the effect of the role played by planetary beta in the generation and maintenance of the Leeuwin Current System (LCS), several numerical experiments are conducted with varying Coriolis parameterizations (f- plane or beta-plane). The seasonal effects of thermal gradients, wind forcing and North West Shelf (NWS) waters are also systematically explored in the numerical experiments. Additionally, the generation mechanisms for undercurrents along both the western and southern coasts of Australia are investigated. Although surface currents, undercurrents, and mesoscale activity are present in both the f-plane and beta-plane experiments, those run on a beta-plane show a more realistic depiction of these features due to the significant role played by the planetary beta effect in the LCS. The combination of thermal forcing, wind forcing, and NWS waters were found to be essential to maintain the highly seasonally varying LCS. Alongshore temperature gradients, which are generated at deeper levels by the strong flow of the Leeuwin Current, are sufficient to establish and maintain an equatorward (westward) undercurrent along western (southern) Australia.

Ocean Circulation and Climate

Ocean Circulation and Climate PDF Author: Shiro Imawaki
Publisher: Elsevier Inc. Chapters
ISBN: 0128058625
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 90

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Book Description
Strong, persistent currents along the western boundaries of the world’s major ocean basins are called “western boundary currents” (WBCs). This chapter describes the structure and dynamics of WBCs, their roles in basin-scale circulation, regional variability, and their influence on atmosphere and climate. WBCs are largely a manifestation of wind-driven circulation; they compensate the meridional Sverdrup transport induced by the winds over the ocean interior. Some WBCs also play a role in the global thermohaline circulation, through inter-gyre and inter-basin water exchanges. After separation from the boundary, most WBCs have zonal extensions, which exhibit high eddy kinetic energy due to flow instabilities, and large surface fluxes of heat and carbon dioxide. The WBCs described here in detail are the Gulf Stream, Brazil and Malvinas Currents in the Atlantic, the Somali and Agulhas Currents in the Indian, and the Kuroshio and East Australian Current in the Pacific Ocean.

Ocean Circulation and Climate

Ocean Circulation and Climate PDF Author: P. Ted Strub
Publisher: Elsevier Inc. Chapters
ISBN: 0128058633
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 107

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Book Description
In this chapter, we review the physical processes that create the mean and variable circulation features along the eastern margins of the ocean basins. Rather than describing the individual systems, we describe the processes and their variability between the systems, dividing the discussion into the low-, mid- and high-latitude regions. We start with the low latitudes, since their signals often move poleward along the coastal wave guides into the midlatitudes, which are the well-known eastern boundary upwelling systems. Our treatment of the higher latitudes is limited to examples from the better-studied NE Pacific Basin (The Alaska Current).

A Wind-forced Modeling Study of the Canary Current System from 30° N to 42.5° N

A Wind-forced Modeling Study of the Canary Current System from 30° N to 42.5° N PDF Author: Daniel W. Bryan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
A high-resolution, multi-level, primitive equation ocean model is used to investigate the roles of wind forcing and irregular coastline geometry in the generation of currents, eddies, jets and filaments in the Canary Current System (CCS) from 30 to 42.5 deg N. To study the generation, evolution, and sustainment of the currents, eddies, jets and filaments in the CCS, the model is forced from rest using seasonal climatological winds and a realistic coastline. Results of the experiment show that wind forcing alone is capable of generating surface currents, undercurrents, meanders, eddies, and filaments. Preferred eddy generation locations, enhanced growth of meanders, eddies, and filaments are seen. The features produced by the model are consistent with available observations of the CCS.

A Wind-Forced Modeling Study of the Canary Current System from 30 Degrees N to 42. 5 Degrees N

A Wind-Forced Modeling Study of the Canary Current System from 30 Degrees N to 42. 5 Degrees N PDF Author: Daniel Bryan
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781423559399
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
A high-resolution, multi-level, primitive equation ocean model is used to investigate the roles of wind forcing and irregular coastline geometry in the generation of currents, eddies, jets and filaments in the Canary Current System (CCS) from 30 to 42.5 deg N. To study the generation, evolution, and sustainment of the currents, eddies, jets and filaments in the CCS, the model is forced from rest using seasonal climatological winds and a realistic coastline. Results of the experiment show that wind forcing alone is capable of generating surface currents, undercurrents, meanders, eddies, and filaments. Preferred eddy generation locations, enhanced growth of meanders, eddies, and filaments are seen. The features produced by the model are consistent with available observations of the CCS.

The Agulhas Current

The Agulhas Current PDF Author: Johann R.E. Lutjeharms
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540372121
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 334

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Book Description
Based on the research findings of 60 years, the author describes the origins of the Agulhas Current, its behaviour, its influence on the adjacent continental shelf, its effect on local weather and its role in linking the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The text is well-illustrated and includes asides on the history of research on the Current. An exhaustive bibliography gives easy access to present knowledge on this important current system.

A Fine Resolution Model of the Coastal Eastern Boundary Current Systems Off Iberia and Morocco

A Fine Resolution Model of the Coastal Eastern Boundary Current Systems Off Iberia and Morocco PDF Author: Antonio S. Martinho
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781423529033
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
To investigate the role of wind forcing, bottom topography and thermohaline gradients on classical as well as unique features in the northern Canary Current system (NCCS), four experiments are conducted with a sigma coordinate primitive equation model. The first experiment, which investigates the pressure gradient force error, shows that velocity errors inherent in three dimensional sigma coordinate models can be successfully reduced from ^1 m/s to less than 0.5 cm/s in the NCCS. The second experiment, which investigates the effect of annual wind forcing on a flat bottom, accurately portrays classical eastern boundary current features as well as unique NCCS features associated with a large embayment (i.e., the Gulf of Cadiz), poleward spreading of Mediterranean Outflow, and the generation of Meddies. The additional effect of bottom topography in Experiment 3 shows that topography plays important roles in intensifying and trapping the equatorward current near the coast, in weakening the subsurface poleward current and in intensifying eddies off the capes of Iberia. The use of full instead of horizontally averaged thermohaline gradients in Experiment 4 highlights the development of the Iberian Current off the Portugal west coast, a feature not seen in the previous experiments. This shows that thermohaline gradients play an important role for the formation of the Iberian Current.