Decker, L. B., University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, USA, lbdecker@gmail.com
Hebert, D. ., University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, USA, hebert@gso.uri.edu
Ullman, D. ., University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, USA, d.ullman@gso.uri.edu

OBSERVATIONS OF A MID-SHELF FRONT IN THE MID-ATLANTIC BIGHT DURING THE WINTER OF 2007

A frontal zone off of the coast of New Jersey was investigated during the winter of 2007. A field program to study the front’s genesis, maintenance and general hydrography involved three, ten day cruises abroad the RV Endeavor in the winter of 2007. We focus here on data from underway surveys with a towed undulating vehicle (Scanfish) and shipboard 300 kHz ADCP. Repeated surveys were carried out in a 45 km (along-shelf) by 35 km (cross-shelf) radiator pattern centered on the 50 meter isobath. The cross-shelf structure of the detided velocity field is examined in comparison with the frontal hydrography. Hydrography of the front is analyzed and compared between cruises from the Scanfish data. A strong near-bottom high salinity tongue is frequently present in the first and last cruises coming from the outer shelf waters. The front is most easily seen in the second cruise when temperatures dropped and a storm was present. The water column was vertically mixed, as opposed to the first and last cruises in which vertical stratification was present.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:176
Date: 03-06-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30