A climatology of the Middle Atlantic Bight shelfbreak front

摘要: Abstract : Description of the shelfbreak front in Middle Atlantic Bight is hampered by extreme variability front. In order to gain more insight into mean frontal structure and associated baroclinic jet, historical data used produce two dimensional climatological fields temperature salinity for region south Nantucket shoals. Associated cross-shelf density, geostrophic velocity, relative vorticity, shallow water potential vorticity have also been computed. Historical from a quality-controlled database (HydroBase) 69-72 deg W, 39.5-41 N included. Cross-shelf sections are obtained averaging nine depth bins with an average spacing 10 km but increased resolution 4 near shelfbreak. The vertical interval was m over shelf upper slope waters, increasing 50 deep waters. were averaged bimonthly periods study seasonal trends. For inter-regional comparison, similar analyses performed flank Georges Bank off New Jersey. consistent previous descriptions hydrography. Most importantly, features such as cold pool, pycnostad, boundary well resolved when compared synoptic sections. contrast across varies seasonally between 2-6 C surface at depths 45-65 m. 1.5-2 PSS, little variation. resulting cross-frontal density gradients strongest during winter weakest summer, thermocline established.