A numerical study of the nonlinear interaction of Hurricane Camille with the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current

Abstract

A three-dimensional, primitive equation, ocean general circulation model is used to study the response of the Gulf of Mexico to Hurricane Camille (1969). The free-surface dynamics and the mixed-layer features are included in the model. The numerical model incorporates the realistic coastline and bottom topography. The sigma coordinate model bas eighteen levels in the vertical and 0.2° x 0.2° horizontal resolution for the entire gulf. The study focuses on nonlinear interaction between hurricane induced currents and the Loop Current. The numerical simulations show that there is a strong nonlinear interaction between the hurricane and the Loop Current in the southern and central parts of the eastern gulf. The surface currents due to nonlinear interaction obtain a maximum of over 1 m s·1 in the southern gulf. The numerical results also show that the hurricane interaction with the Loop Current strongly affects current, mixed-layer depth, and elevation fields. There is a strong current response to Hurricane Camille in the surface layer on the shelf with a peak velocity approximately 2.2 m s-1• There is a definite right band bias in the mixed-layer depth field with a maximum of about 90 m.