Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Modes Of Gulf Stream Intrusion Into The South Atlantic Bight Shelf Waters, Larry P. Atkinson

CCPO Publications

Consideration is given to the intrusion of Gulf Stream waters into the shelf waters of the South Atlantic Bight. It is observed that three modes of intrusion may occur, depending on particular ambient shelf water density. They are override, interleave, and bottom intrusion. It is noted that: (1) except in January, when the shelf water densities are relatively higher, 20°C Gulf Stream water can form a bottom intrusion anywhere along the coast, (2) Gulf Stream waters of 24°C can only form bottom intrusions from April to November, and (3) the rest of the year, 24°C waters interleave or override.