Characterization of Tidal Currents in Monterey Bay from Remote and In-situ Measurements
Characterization of Tidal Currents in Monterey Bay from Remote and In-situ Measurements

Author: Emil T. Petruncio

Publisher:

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13:

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A first order description of tidal heights and currents in Monterey Bay is provided. Analysis of sea level records indicate that a mixed, predominantly semidiurnal tide nearly co-oscillates within the bay. Analysis of month-long moored ADCP records obtained in the winter and summer of 1992 reveals that tidal-band currents account for approximately 50 percent of the total current variance in the upper ocean (20-200 m). A relatively strong (7 cm/s) fortnightly tide (MSf) is present in both seasons. Considerable rotation of the semidiurnal ellipse orientations occurs with depth during both seasons. A month- long record of surface current measurements obtained with CODAR, an HF radar system, during September 1992 reveals that the Monterey Submarine Canyon clearly influences the strength and direction of semidiurnal (M2) tidal currents. Good agreement exists between the strength and orientation of ADCP- and CODAR-derived tidal ellipses, with the exception of the constituent K1. Large, spatially uniform K1 surface currents (20-30 cm/s) appear to be the result of diurnal sea breeze forcing.

Characterization of OSCR HF Radar Data in Monterey Bay
Characterization of OSCR HF Radar Data in Monterey Bay

Author: Kimberley F. Boyer

Publisher:

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13:

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A 53-hour long record of surface current data from the OSCR HF radar system was gathered over Monterey Bay on 6-8 May, 1995. In this study, OSCR data is evaluated with regard to semi-diurnal (M2) and diurnal (K1) tidal period fluctuations, the seabreeze, seabreeze influenced flow, and both standard and cannonical-day mean flow patterns. The OSCR data is considered on its own and in comparison to similar data types previously gathered by CODAR, a previously established Monterey Bay HF radar system. Two of three CODAR sites were co- located with the two OSCR sites. Internal wave influence is observed in the M2 tidal constituent analysis and the seabreeze greatly influences fluctuations of the K1 tidal period. Results from analysis of OSCR data replicated or reinforced data and results from the CODAR system. Initial OSCR data appears not to have been significantly affected by possible distortion of the phased-array beam patterns. However, contamination of OSCR returns by simultaneous activation of the CODAR systems is apparent in the data.

Observations and Modeling of the Internal Tide in a Submarine Canyon
Observations and Modeling of the Internal Tide in a Submarine Canyon

Author: Emil T. Petruncio

Publisher:

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13:

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Shipboard ADCP and CTD measurements were conducted in Monterey Submarine Canyon in April and October 1994 to determine the propagation characteristics and energy levels of the semidiurnal internal tide. The measurements reveal a bottom intensified internal tide propagating energy up canyon. The region of strongest motion is in a beam 150-200 m thick, centered approximately 150 m above the Canyon floor. Along canyon baroclinic M2 currents are typically 15-20 cm/s, an order of magnitude larger than the estimated barotropic tidal currents. In April 1994, the internal tidal beam is well described by a progressive wave, while in October 1994, the signal is standing along and perpendicular to the beam. The Princeton Ocean Model was used to study the generation and propagation of semidiurnal internal tides in submarine canyons and to investigate their sensitivity to canyon shape.

Evolution of Diurnal Surface Winds and Surface Currents for Monterey Bay
Evolution of Diurnal Surface Winds and Surface Currents for Monterey Bay

Author: Michael D. Foster

Publisher:

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13:

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The diurnal-period fluctuations of winds and surface currents are analyzed for September 1992 in and around Monterey Bay. Wind records are compared for three coastal stations and two mooring sites. Remotely-sensed surface current observations from two CODAR (HF radar) sites are used to explore the ocean's response to diurnal-period forcing. An average diurnal cycle is formed at each wind station and at all CODAR bins. The earliest sea breeze response is seen at the coastal wind stations where morning winds accelerate toward the coastal mountain ranges. A few hours later, the coastal winds accelerate to the southeast down the Salinas Valley. Offshore afternoon winds rotate from their normal alongshore orientation to also become aligned with the valley. The CODAR-derived surface currents respond in less than the two-hour sampling rate to the onset of the diurnal onshore winds. Currents accelerate in the direction of the Salinas Valley. As the day progresses, the more offshore currents rotate clockwise out from under the winds in a possible Ekman or inertial adjustment that continues throughout the night and spreads onshore. In the afternoon, a complicated eddy pattern develops near shore in a possible response to the coastal boundary.