Record Details
Comparison of sea level and currents off the Oregon coast using mean monthly data
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Comparison of sea level and currents off the Oregon coast using mean monthly data |
| Names |
Marthaler, James Gordon
(creator) Huyer, Adriana (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1976-10-06 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1977 |
| Abstract | Sea level and current data collected near Newport, Oregon are compared to determine an empirical relationship from which the low frequency (f < .1 cpd) alongshore current field over the continental shelf is estimated from observed sea level measurements at the coast. Regression analysis of the near-surface (20-25 m) currents with sea level indicates the surface currents are in geostrophic balance with the sea surface slope. Analysis of the alongshore shear between the near-surface and deep (75-80 m) layers with sea level shows the thermal wind relationship holds. A near-surface regression model is developed from which the mean monthly alongshore current 20-25 m below the surface can be estimated with a standard estimate of error (σ[subscript ER]) less than six cm/sec. The annual range at this depth is nearly 60 cm/sec. A regression model for the alongshore shear is formed from which the mean vertical shear is estimated with a σ[subscript ER] of .07-.10 cm/sec/m. The annual range is approximately .8 cm/sec/m. The surface currents are found to be predominantly driven by the local meteorological conditions. Deep and near-bottom current observations suggest the deep layer currents are primarily influenced by the thermal wind relationship and the location of the California Undercurrent. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Ocean currents -- Pacific Ocean |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/28432 |
