Analysis of eddy resolving model of the California Current System
By: Nicholas J. Cipriano
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 96
Other titles: NPS-OC-98-004.
Description: A high-resolution, multi-level, primitive equation ocean model is used to investigate the combined role of      seasonal wind forcing, thermohaline gradients, and coastline irregularities on the formation of currents,      meanders, eddies, and filaments in the California Current System from 22.5 deg N to 47.5 deg N. An      investigation of the dynamical reasons for the generation and growth of meanders and eddies is conducted along      with a sensitivity study to investigate the formation of the Davidson Current. Model results are consistent with      the generation of eddies from instabilities of the equatorward current and poleward undercurrent via barotropic      and baroclinic instability processes. The meandering equatorward jet south of Cape Blanco is shown to be a      continuous feature, which divides coastally-influenced water from water of offshore origin. The area off southern      Baja is shown to be a highly dynamic environment for meanders, filaments, and eddies, while the area off Point      Eugenia is shown to be a persistent cyclonic eddy generation region. Both the Southern California      Countercurrent rounding Point Conception and the shoaling of the poleward undercurrent are shown to play      important roles in generating the Davidson Current in the fall.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Mary L. Batten.

"NPS-OC-98-004."

"September 1998."

Thesis (M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography) Naval Postgraduate School, September. 1998.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-94)

"Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited."

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System Requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 12/3/98.