A numerical study of topographically steered flows in the Fram Strait.
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Authors
McShane, David W.
Subjects
Fram Strait
East Greenland Current
West Spitzbergen Current
Return Atlantic Current
Two-layered
Primitive equation
East Greenland Current
West Spitzbergen Current
Return Atlantic Current
Two-layered
Primitive equation
Advisors
Smith, David C., IV
Date of Issue
1989-06
Date
June 1989
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
The Fram Strait is a region of complex circulation and intense dynamical activity. Its general circulation is largely influenced by the East Greenland Current (EGC), the associated Marginal Ice Zone jet, the West Spitzbergen Current (WSC) and the topography of the region. The general circulation was studied using a two-layered numerical model. Forcing of the model was done by varying the inflow and outflow velocity; the port locations and boundary conditions; and by adjustment of topography. Representative topography of the Fram Strait was modeled in the lower layer. Results indicate that the model is sensitive to EGC width and its proximity to the western boundary; and that in the absence of EGC flow, the Return Atlantic Current does not exist. Investigation of model sensitivity to WSC inflow vertical shear led to the conclusion that when the WSC inflow is 10 cm/sec in the upper layer and 5 cm/sec in the lower layer, a boundary trapped component of the WSC is generated.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
44 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.