Analysis of water column stability using shipboard and submarine density and shear measurements
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Authors
Beale, Edward G. Jr.
Subjects
stability
shear
thermohaline structures
shear
thermohaline structures
Advisors
Thornton, E.B.
Stanton, T.P.
Date of Issue
1986-12
Date
Publisher
Language
en_US
Abstract
Analysis of water column stability was performed using shipboard and submarine
shear and density profile data acquired by U.S.S. DOLPHIN and R V ACANIA in
October. 19S4 in the vicinity of Monterey Bay, California. Data was acquired utilizing
CTD and acoustic doppler profiler (ADVP) instruments. The upper ocean
thermohaline structure and water column stability, over a 10km square domain, was
determined from repeated measurements of the conductivity, temperature, and velocity
to a depth of 115m. The temporal and spatial variation in the analyzed fields ol"
temperature, salinity, density, and velocity are compared with the constructed profiles
of the static stability parameter (E) and gradient Richardson number. The analyzed
fields were in turn compared with the larger scale forcing factors of coastal upwelling,
current systems, bottom topography, and internal waves. The stability the water
column was found to be both statically and dynamically stable with the exception of
thin patches of instability which were determined to be the result of double diffusive
processes.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
87 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.