Influences of tidal and slower (subtidal) oceanic flows over the continental shelf and slope off Oregon are studied using a high-resolution ocean circulation model and comparative model-data analyses. The model is based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), a fully nonlinear, three-dimensional model (using hydrostatic and Boussinesq approximations). The model horizontal resolution is 1 km. The study period is summer 2002. 

Variability in the semi-diurnal internal (three-dimensional, baroclinic) tidal
flows is influenced by the background conditions associated with coastal wind-driven
summer currents. Our analyses reveal areas of intensified semidiurnal tide on the
Oregon slope and the shelf and how these vary with change in the background
conditions. Hot spots of barotopic-to-baroclinic energy conversion found on the slope
occupy 1% of the slope area produce about 20% of the internal tide energy. At these
locations, generation is well balanced by radiation of the internal tide energy away
from the generation location.

Variability in the semi-diurnal internal (three-dimensional, baroclinic) tidalflows is influenced by the background conditions associated with coastal wind-drivensummer currents. Our analyses reveal areas of intensified semidiurnal tide on theOregon slope and the shelf and how these vary with change in the backgroundconditions. Hot spots of barotopic-to-baroclinic energy conversion found on the slopeoccupy 1% of the slope area produce about 20% of the internal tide energy. At theselocations, generation is well balanced by radiation of the internal tide energy awayfrom the generation location.

Authors: 
Osborne, John
How to Order : 

Available online from the National Sea Grant Library.

Product Number: 
ORESU-Y-14-003
Year of Publication: 
2014
Price: 
NA
Shipping & Handling: 
NA
Length: 
148 pp
Size and Format: 
8.5x11, online
Department/University: 
Oceanography/Oregon State University
Degree: 
Doctor of Philosophy