A numerical study of the effects of wind forcing on the Chilean Current System
Authors
Bacon, Jeffrey L.
Subjects
Advisors
Batteen, Mary L.
Date of Issue
1991
Date
March, 1991
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
A high-resolution, multi-level, primitive equation ocean model is used to examine the response of an idealized, flat-bottomed, eastern boundary oceanic regime on a beta-plane to both steady and daily-varying climatological wind forcing. The area of study is a coastal region within the Chile Current System from 22°Sto34°S. When steady wind forcing is used, an equatorward surface current and poleward flowing undercurrent develop. Eddies are also generated, with initial formation in the poleward end of the domain. When daily-varying wind forcing is used, there is large spatial variability in the oceanic response. A relatively weak poleward flowing undercurrent appears, first in the poleward part of the domain. An equatorward surface current also develops and intensifies during the upwelling season. Eddies are generated and develop farther poleward in the domain than in the first experiment. The eddies are largest in the equatorward end of the domain. The eddy motion is closely tied to seasonal influences, with cyclonic
(divergent) eddies traversing towards areas of higher dynamic heights when there are divergent wind fields present, and vice versa. In addition to the currents and eddies, upwelling and cold filaments are evident in both experiments.
Type
Thesis
Description
Distinguished Alumni Award Program author. CAPT Jeffrey Bacon, USN (Ret) (Presented 14 Oct 06)
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology
Physical Oceanography
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
ix, 67 p.: ill. 28 cm.