Studies of Boundary Current Dynamics

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

PI: Ou Proposal Number: 0002425 Funds are provided for a combination of analytical and numerical modeling studies of three processes involving boundary currents: the branching of a dense throughflow, the branching of a buoyant throughflow, and the generation of eddies as a boundary current encounters a concave curving boundary. The motivations for these studies are the observed branching of the Mediterranean Sea dense outflow plume after it exits the Strait of Gibraltar, the branching of the Tsushima Current after it enters the Sea of Japan through the Tsushima Strait, and the observed generation of eddies consisting of Mediterranean Sea outflow water in the Gulf of Cadiz.