Variability of currents in Great South Channel and over Georges Bank : observation and modeling
Variability of currents in Great South Channel and over Georges Bank : observation and modeling
Date
1992-06
Authors
Chen, Changsheng
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Location
Great South Channel
Georges Bank
Georges Bank
DOI
10.1575/1912/5494
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Keywords
Ocean currents
Abstract
This thesis consists of two parts: (I) variability of currents and water properties
in late spring in the northern Great South Channel and (II) numerical study of stratified
tidal rectification over Georges Bank. In part I, the combined analysis of CTD, ADCP,
satellite-track drifters, and zooplankton distributions in the northern Great South Channel
clearly shows (1) the seasonal evolution of the surface low salinity plume, (2) the threedimensional
structure of residual flow, and (3) a coherent relationship between the surface
low salinity plume and high concentration of zooplankton. In part II, the numerical model
of Georges Bank shows that as the fluid becomes stratified , tidal mixing and rectification
intensify both along- and cross-bank residual currents and modify the vertical structure of
the flow. Along- and cross-bank residual currents increase as either stratification increases
or the depth of the bank decreases. Model results over Georges Bank are in good agreement
with observation, particularly in the position of the tidal mixing front and residual currents
on the northern flank of the Bank.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution June 1992
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Citation
Chen, C. (1992). Variability of currents in Great South Channel and over Georges Bank : observation and modeling [Doctoral thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution]. Woods Hole Open Access Server. https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/5494