Changes in the California current system observed off northern California during July-August 1986

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Author
Beasley, Michael E.
Date
1987-12Advisor
Batteen, Mary L.
Second Reader
Mooers, C. N. K.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Changes in the flow pattern of the California Current System (CCS) in a relatively short time period (~ one week) are investigated. The offshore flow pattern changed orientation from southwestward to southward and a cool filament seen previously was no longer discernible. The nearshore flow pattern changed from a predominantly southward to a northward flow. The changes occurred between two OPTOMA cruises conducted in the summer of 1986. Two possible causes are investigated for these changes: 1) a change in the poleward undercurrent of the CCS, and 2) a change in the coastal winds. Analysis of cross-sections of the poleward undercurrent indicate that it remained subsurface throughout the cruises. Analysis of wind data indicate that southward winds were the dominant wind pattern throughout the first cruise. Wind data from a moored buoy off Point Arena indicate northward winds (i.e., wind reversals) following the first cruise, which could be associated with the changes in the flow patterns of the CCS.
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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.NPS Report Number
NPS 68-88-002Collections
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