Changes in the California current system observed off northern California during July-August 1986
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Authors
Beasley, Michael E.
Subjects
California Current System description - 1986
Upwelling
CCS jets
Upwelling
CCS jets
Advisors
Batteen, Mary L.
Date of Issue
1987-12
Date
December 1987
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
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.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
NPS 68-88-002
Sponsors
Funder
Chief of Naval Research
N0001487WR4E001
61135N, RRo14-01, 10P-011
Format
71 p.: ill.
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.