Lagrangian Exploration of the California Undercurrent, 1992–95
Author
Garfield, Newell
Collins, Curtis A.
Paquette, Robert G.
Carter, Everett
Date
1999-04Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
During the period 1992–95, nineteen isobaric RAFOS floats, placed in the California Undercurrent at intermediate
depths (150–600 m) off Monterey and San Francisco, California, reveal a region of varying width of
subsurface, poleward flow adjacent to the continental margin. The float trajectories exhibit three patterns: poleward
flow in the undercurrent; reversing, but predominately alongshore, flow adjacent to the continental margin;
and, farther offshore, anticyclonic motion accompanied by slow westward drift. Flow continuity of the undercurrent
exists between Pt. Reyes and at least Cape Mendocino with an average speed dependent on the float
depth. Speeds were variable, but common features were acceleration occurring to the south of Pt. Arena and
deceleration to the north of Cape Mendocino. An important mechanism for floats, and water, to enter the ocean
interior from the undercurrent is through the formation of submesoscale coherent vortices.
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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.Collections
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