An approximate model for small Rossby number ϵ that is close to the balance equations (BE) but that is based on approximate momentum equations is formulated for a rotating, continuously stratified fluid governed by the hydrostatic, Boussinesq, inviscid, adiabatic primitive equations with spatially variable Coriolis parameter. This model, referred to...
The effect of bottom friction on the subinertial frequency motion of stratified shelf flow fields is studied in a two-layer ƒ-plane model with idealized shelf and slope bottom topography. Coastal-trapped fire waves and motion forced by the alongshore component of the wind stress at the coast are considered. Vertical turbulent-diffusion...
Nonlinear model simulations of a coastal upwelling system show frontal instabilities that initiate at short alongshore scales but rapidly evolve to longer wavelengths. Several factors associated with the nonstationarity of this basic state contribute to the progression in scale. A portion of the system evolution is associated with the external...
A primitive equation model is used to study the finite-amplitude evolution of instabilities associated with the coastal upwelling front. Simulations of increasing complexity are examined that represent idealizations of summer conditions off the Oregon coast, including cases with steady and with time-variable wind in a domain with alongshore-uniform bathymetry and...
Previous studies of forced, long continental shelf waves on an ƒ-plane have considered motion on the shelf and slope which is driven by an alongshore component of the wind stress, essentially through the suction of fluid into the surface layer at the coast. These studies have utilized a boundary condition,...
Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis in the frequency domain is extended to complex time series. EOFs are calculated from the eigenvectors of the band-averaged rotary cross-spectral matrix. This gives EOF amplitude and phase for negative and positive frequencies, corresponding to clockwise and anticlockwise rotation for the hodograph model. Rotary EOF...
The generation of an alongshore mean flow by the nonlinear interaction of forced barotropic shelf waves over a continental margin is studied using a wind-forced, ƒ-plane model with bottom friction in an attempt to develop a model for poleward eastern boundary undercurrents. It is assumed that the Rossby number is...
Three‐dimensional circulation in the coastal transition zone (CTZ) off Oregon is
studied using a 3 km resolution model based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System.
The study period is spring and summer 2002, when extensive observations were available
from the northeastern Pacific component of the Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics
project....
The dynamics of the coastal transition zone off Northern California during late May and early June 1987 art
examined through assimilation modeling studies. A regional baroclinic quasi-geostrophic model is driven by the
data through initial and boundary conditions. These initial and boundary conditions are specified by objective
analysis of hydrographic...
A study of swash zone sediment transport was conducted at Gleneden
Beach, Oregon during February 25-28, 1994. The data collected included suspended
sediment concentration (SSC), sea surface elevation, and velocity (initially 4 and 8
cm above the bed) at three cross-shore locations within the swash zone spanning high
tides. Ensemble...