Empirical and dynamic modes in the CCS
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Authors
Smith, Jerome A
Subjects
Empirical Orthogonal Functions, Quasi-geostrophic dynamic modes, Modal coupling, XBT data, CTD data,
California Current
Advisors
Date of Issue
1984-03
Date
1984-03
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
CTD data from the California Current System (CCS) are analysed in
terms of both empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) and quasigeostrophic
vertical modes (QGMs). A single EOF accounts for about 97%
of the total variance in hydrostatic pressure perturbations to 3000m.
The first four pressure EOFs correspond quite well to the first four
QGMs. The QGMs are orthogonal with respect to integration " over the
total water depth, while the EOFs are orthogonal over the depth interval
where there are data; thus, as subsets of increasingly deeper cast data
are used, the EOFs and QGMs become more alike. The EOF amplitudes
must also be uncorrected over the sample of profiles used, while those
of the QGMs need not be; yet, the EOF analysis roughly selects the first
four QGMs, even from just eight casts to 3000m. Apparently, the
variance contained in each successive QGM decreases precipitously;
thus, the variance in QGM 1 overwhelms any correlated part of QGM 2.
Likewise, the variance left over in QGM 2 is still sufficient to overwhelm
QGM 3 (and so on). (Note also that low-frequency internal waves, e.g.
internal tides, have virtually identical modal structure to the QGMs;
these may also contribute to the EOFs)
.
!r; the upper 100 meters, the EOFs vary markedly from survey to
survey. The density analysis can produce an EOF which doesn't fit into
the normal' QGM sequence, but rather is strongly surface trapped,
being confined roughly to the top 100 meters. This mode, which may
represent mixed or Ekman layer variability, can account for up to 20% of the total density variance.
Type
Technical Report
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
NPS68-84-003
Sponsors
Prepared for: Office of Naval Research
Environmental Sciences Directorate (Code 420)
Funder
N0001484WR24051
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.