Surface and bottom boundary layer dynamics on a shallow submarine bank : southern flank of Georges Bank
Citable URI
https://hdl.handle.net/1912/4729Location
Georges BankDOI
10.1575/1912/4729Keyword
Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (Program); Boundary layer; Banks; Ocean circulation; Ocean currentsAbstract
The thesis investigates the circulation at a 76-m deep study site on the southern
flank of Georges Bank, a shallow submarine bank located between the deeper Gulf
of Maine and the continental slope. Emphasis is placed on the vertical structure
of the bottom boundary layer driven by the semi diurnal tides and the flow field's
response to wind forcing.
The observational analysis presented here is based on a combination of moored
array and bottom tripod-mounted current, temperature, conductivity, and meteorological
data taken between February and August 1995. Results from the bottom
boundary layer analysis are compared to numerical model predictions for tidal flow
over rough bottom topography. The flow response to wind forcing is examined and
brought into context with the existing understanding of the wind-induced circulation
in the Georges Bank region. Particular attention is given to the vertical distribution
of the wind-driven currents, whose variation with background stratification is
discussed and compared to observations from open ocean studies.
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 August 1999
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Suggested Citation
Thesis: Werner, Sandra R., "Surface and bottom boundary layer dynamics on a shallow submarine bank : southern flank of Georges Bank", 1999-08, DOI:10.1575/1912/4729, https://hdl.handle.net/1912/4729Related items
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