Coastal fresh water discharge in the northeast Pacific

摘要: Very high annual rates of precipitation in the coastal mountains that border northeast Pacific Ocean produce large fresh water discharges (23000 m3 s−1). This discharge has been ignored previously since it does not enter ocean form rivers, but, instead, enters by way numerous small rivers and streams. Thus, acts as a line source instead point source. contributes at least 40% from atmosphere. The is comparable to mean Mississippi River system. creates cross-shelf density gradient drives an alongshore baroclinic jet. width this jet less than 25 km with speeds excess 100 cm s−1. It extends along coast southeast Alaska Kodiak Island. Apparently, flow maintained narrow current adjacent wind stress causes downwelling conditions here throughout most year.