Topographic Influences on the Path of the Gulf Stream

摘要: Meander patterns observed in the Gulf Stream east of Cape Hatteras exhibit correlations with bottom topography. An examination orders magnitude terms vorticity balance suggests that if current extends to ocean bottom, as implied by some recent deep velocity measurements, its path must indeed be controlled principally topography Continental Rise, a generally smaller constraint imposed meridional variation Coriolis parameter. Approximate paths calculated according this mechanism—steady-state conservation potential vorticity—agree sufficiently well confirm topographic explanation large-scale meanders. The variety meander is attributed fluctuations direction and curvature near Hatteras. These conclusions make doubtful any direct relation between meanders possible instabilities Hatteras, distribution wind stress separation from coast. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1963.tb01376.x