Kiselkova, V. ., Texas A&M University, College Station, USA, vkiselkova@ocean.tamu.edu
Hetland, R. D., Texas A&M University, College Station, USA, hetland@tamu.edu
DiMarco, S. F., Texas A&M University, College Station, USA, sdimarco@tamu.edu

INSTABILITIES IN BUOYANCY DRIVEN FLOW OVER A SUBMARINE DELTA

A series of oceanographic cruises was conducted during spring-summer of 2004-2005 along the Texas–Louisiana coast. Field measurements show evidence of large-amplitude, shelf-scale disturbances in the distribution of hydrographic properties across the shelf. These wave-like instabilities were also seen in satellite imagery (MODIS, SeaWifs) during the cruises as well as other times of the year. The position of the meander is consistent with the location of shoals, which are remnant subaqueous deltaic features along the Louisiana shelf. Large vertical displacements of isopycnals were observed during late summer in 2004 and summer 2005. ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System) was used to investigate the effect of shoaling topography on the transfer of buoyancy through the oceanic water column along the coast. The numerical experiment was conducted in an idealized coastal domain represented as a rectangular box. The domain is bounded by coastline on the northern side and the open ocean on eastern and western edges. The influence of bottom topography, coastal slope and freshwater input on the development of the dynamic instabilities was evaluated and compared with observations of physical and biochemical parameters.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:176
Date: 03-07-2008
Time: 09:30