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Detailed Reference Information |
Oke, P.R., England, M.H. and Middleton, J.H. (2003). On the dynamics of an observed thermal front off central eastern Australia. Journal of Geophysical Research 108: doi: 10.1029/2002JC001370. issn: 0148-0227. |
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Results from a short observational program off central eastern Australia (28.4¿S) are presented. A series of events involving sharp temperature fluctuations and strong pulses in the alongshore currents are measured by a mooring array over the inner shelf. With use of AVHRR images, ADCP, and CTD surveys, it is reasoned that these events correspond to the periodic advection of a thermal front past the inshore moorings. The front involves a temperature change of 1¿--2¿C, with a southward jet of greater than 0.5 m s-1 over a width of 1--2 km in 25 m of water. The dynamical balances of the momentum equations are examined. It is demonstrated that at the onset of each event the local tendency of alongshore velocity is balanced by across-shore advection. Additionally, a quasi-balance between the surface and bottom stress terms is noted throughout the experiment demonstrating the prominence of mixing over the inner shelf. |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Oceanography, Physical, Fronts and jets, Oceanography, Physical, Currents, Oceanography, Physical, Western boundary currents |
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
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