Quantifying the Role of Physical Processes in Thin Layer Formation and Maintenance
1998
Dekshenieks, Margaret M | Donaghay, Percy L | Osborn, Thomas R
See also ADM002252. Prepared in cooperation with Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Show more [+] Less [-]Our long-term goal is to understand how physical processes influence the formation, maintenance, and dispersion of thin layers of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Thin layers range in thickness from a few tens of centimeters to a few meters, and have concentrations sufficient to influence biological processes. These layers can extend horizontally for kilometers and may persist for more than 24 hours. To understand the contribution of physical processes to thin layer dynamics, it is necessary to measure physical processes and thin layers over temporal scales, ranging from minutes to days, and spatial scales, ranging from centimeters to tens of kilometers. Our first objective was to establish the basic hydrography for the study area (East Sound on Orcas Island) to identify the water masses and their sources. Our second objective was to investigate the role of advection and shear in producing temperature, salinity, and density profiles and their development over time. Our third objective was to look for temporal and spatial patterns of thin layers, and to relate the presence of thin layers to physical processes that may influence their occurrence and dynamics.
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