Lagangian observations of wind-induced surface motion on the Texas Continental Shelf : a descriptive view /
Fifteen Argos-reported surface drifter trajectories, in
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1994.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=741965871&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Fifteen Argos-reported surface drifter trajectories, in conjunction with coincident surface weather data and infrared satellite imagery, obtained from three field experiments conducted between October 1992 and August 1993, are utilized to describe the cause and effect relationship between total wind forcing and surface motion on the Texas Continental Shelf. Although mesoscale observations and implications are presented, the focus of three case studies ison episodic relationshipsandresolutionsufficient submesoscale s is on episodic submesoscale temporal and spatial relationships and resolution sufficient for determination of functional initial conditions in support of oil-spill- relevant short interval surface flow prediction modeling. surface low prediction modeling. In addition to confirming the well-recognized predominant influence of mean seasonal and monthly wind stress on low-frequency mesoscale shelf circulation patterns, the fact that periodic wind shifts, due to the propagation of synoptic weather systems, exercise a profound effect on the characteristics of high-frequency mesoscale and submesoscale circulation features is demonstrated. A new analysis technique, the Wind- Superimposed-on-Trajectory (WST) plot, is employed to investigate associated six-hour directional phase relationships. Mensuration analyses, utilized to resolve the time and space scale ranges characteristic of high frequency surface circulation on the Texas Shelf, reveal an apparent direct connection between relevant scales and wind forcing associated with weather types transiting the Gulf Coast. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Oceanography". |
| Physical Description: | xix, 227 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |