The Seasonal Density Structure and Circulation on the Continental Shelf.

摘要

A computer simulation model is used to study the gross seasonal density structure and circulation patterns in waters over the continental shelf. The model consists of a non-linear,time-dependent,two-layer ocean on an f-plane with friction and varying bottom topography. Stirring on both sides of the interface and the resulting entrainments produce a density flux between layers which,together with surface cooling,tends to reduce stratification. Seasonal heating,along with secondary,cross-shelf circulation patterns,tends to restore stratification. A comparison is made with BT-sections across the continental shelves off Cape Canaveral and off New York. (Modified author abstract)