Physical Oceanography of Georges Bank and Its Impact on Biology

Update – June 2004
Grant Period: 7/02-7/05

Bob Beardsley, Ken Brink, Dick Limeburner, Jim Churchill, Jim Ledwell, Jim Irish, Mike Caruso, Jim Lerczak (WHOI)

Charles Flagg (BNL)

Changsheng Chen, Jim Bisagni (UMD)

Ron Schlitz (NMFS)

2002-2004 Activities

JGR-Oceans Special Section

Environmental Chronology

1999 Stratification and Flow Synthesis

Process Studies and Interannual Variability on Bank Edges

1999 Tidal Mixing Front over Southern Flank

FVCOM Development, Application, and Evaluation

U.S. GLOBEC: Physical processes on Georges Bank
JGR-Oceans Special Section GLOBEC (Georges Bank), Nov. 2003

1995 Stratification Study: surface forcing; temperature & salt balances; bottom stress & tidal boundary layer; slope water intrusions.

1999 Frontal Studies: northern flank tidal & subtidal variability, cross-frontal fluxes and mixing.

1997, 1999 Scotian Shelf Water “cross-overs”: spring 1997; winter-spring 1999.

1995-1999 Bank/Seasonal Scale: surface drifter flow; ADCP flow.

Seasonal/interannual Scale: Halifax section variability; Nitrate supply and new production on GB

Model Process Studies: diurnal heating on GB stratification; wind-forced cross-front exchange on GB; temperature and flow influences on Calanus in Gulf of St. Lawrence and Scotian Shelf

Slide 5

"Environmental Chronology"

Environmental Chronology

Processing of 1999 Eastern Flank Frontal Exchange moored array and drifter data completed (Limeburner)

Reprocessing of 1994-1999 Long-Term moored array data completed (Irish, Caruso, Limeburner, Beardsley)

Preparation of WHOI Tech Report on LT data set including description of the measurements at all sites plus a physical chronology at the Southern Flank site (Irish, Caruso, Beardsley -July 2004 completion date!!!)

Analysis of LT moored data started (Brink)

GLOBEC moored arrays

Slide 8

"1999 Stratification and Flow Synthesis"

1999 Stratification and Flow Synthesis

Characterization of subtidal oscillatory flow (Limeburner)

Description of eastern flank physical variability based on LT and FE moored data to be started (Beardsley, Limeburner,Flagg)

Process Studies and Interannual Variability on Bank Edges

Seasonal and Interannual Variability of the Shelf-Slope Front Between 75° and 50° W (Bisagni)

Instability of Northern Flank Jet Study started (Brink, Pringle)

"1999 Tidal Mixing Front over..."

1999 Tidal Mixing Front over Southern Flank

Analysis of TMF ADCP array (Lerczak, Schlitz)

Analysis of 1999 Ledwell tracer release experiment started (Churchill,Ledwell)

FVCOM Development, Application, Evaluation

GoM MM5 developed to produce surface forcing for 1995 and 1999 (Chen, Beardsley)

FVCOM simulation of 1995 and 1999 stratification seasons completed (Chen)

FVCOM comparison with other coastal models (POM, ROMS) on test problems (Chen, Cowles, Hedstrom, Beardsley)

FVCOM simulation for Houghton 1999 tracer release experiment completed (Chen, Houghton, Beardsley)

First FVCOM Users’ Workshop - June 2004 (Chen, Cowles, Beardsley)

"Next Activities (Incomplete Draft..."

Next Activities (Incomplete Draft 6/21)

Complete LT moored array Tech Report (Irish, Caruso, Beardsley)

Write up analysis of 1999 TMF ADCP array (Lerczak, Schlitz)

Write up Houghton 1999 tracer release FVCOM results (Chen,….)

Start analysis of Ledwell 1999 tracer release data (Churchill, Ledwell)

Complete LT moored array analysis, description of 1999 Eastern Flank variability (Brink, Limeburner, Flagg, Beardsley)

Evaluate FVCOM 1995 and 1999 stratification season simulations (Chen, Beardsley, …)

Complete northern flank jet instability study (Brink, Pringle, Chen)

Continue FVCOM development and scientific testing

Others ????

Slide 12

Slide 13

Primary GLOBEC Data Sets

1. FVCOM application and evaluation

Realistic simulations (tidal forcing, surface forcing (stress, Q, E-P), runoff, upstream forcing (Fss)

Process studies (diurnal heat flux on stratified tidal rectification; cross-front exchange across NF frontal jet)

Evaluation (comparison of time series, event behavior (Jan-Feb,1995; Apr-Jun,1999), statistical comparisons)

3. Stratification and Flow

Use FVCOM to hindcast currents and T,S stratification during GLOBEC field years

Feb-Aug 1995 (can FVCOM predict accurately flow over 1-8 months; extend SF T/S budget analysis to other parts of Bank)

Jan-Jun 1999

4. Process Studies and Interannual Variability on the Bank Edges

Analysis of existing data for NF, NE Peak, NE Channel, Scotian Shelf to provide synoptic pictures of physical properties and biological content of NEP region

FVCOM simulations 1999 (realistic surface forcing; effect of WCRs on SSCs; effect of alternative wind stress on surface cross-front Ekman transport)

5. Tidal Mixing Front over Southern Flank

Detailed analysis of 1999 TMF physical data (moored, shipbroad, dye, ….)

FVCOM simulation of Mar-Jun 1999 TMF results (test of MY mixing through dye studies, VPR, drifters,..)

Extension to 1997 and 1995 periods of extensive SF TMF sampling

Proposed Work - Year 1: 2002 - 03

Complete

FVCOM dev & diurnal heating/tidal mixing front process study (1)

Physical component online environmental chronology (2)

Synthesis of 1999 bank-wide stratification data (3)

Assessment of interannual variability for SSCs on Northeast Peak from historical hydrographic database (4)

Synthesis of 1999 southern TMF physical/biological data (5)

Analysis of structure, variability, and loss potential of SSF (3, 4)

Start

Realistic FVCOM simulations of 1995, 1999 stratification seasons (1, 3)

Realistic FVCOM simulation of 1999 dye dispersion/mixing data (5)

Process FVCOM studies of frontal exchange mechanisms along northern flank (1)

Year 2: 2003 - 03

Complete

Assessment of SSC interannual variability using satellite SST and TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data

Evaluation of FVCOM 1995 and 1999 seasonal simulations

Evaluation of FVCOM 1999 tidal mixing front simulations

Process FVCOM studies of interannual variability for SSCs using a linear superposition of wind and upstream perturbations to the mean circulation

Combined analysis of towed, shipboard, and moored acoustic descriptions of zoo-plankton distributions

BIO Work Plan

Topic A: What are the impacts of Scotian Shelf Cross-overs on the population dynamics of the target species?

Model studies of interannual variability of SSC events, including analysis of historical hydrographic data and altimetry and modeling of interannual drift variability using Chen’s model (Brickman, Smith, Han, Hannah)

Model study of physical mechanisms driving SSCs (Smith, Brickman).

ELS modeling of cod and haddock in SSCs,including effects of temperature, food supply, etc on growth and survival, and possibly demographics of adults stocks. (Brickman, Frank).

Topic C: How do large-scale interannual and interdecadal variabilities affect population dynamics of the target species?

Analysis of upstream sources of water masses and biota, including historical hydrographic data, freshwater sources, etc. (Smith, Hannah, Loder)

Study of interannual variability of sea level (‘92-’00) using TOPEX/POSEIDON altimetry (Han, Smith, Loder).

Slide 22


	Bob Beardsley, Ken Brink, Dick Limeburner, Jim Churchill, Jim Ledwell, Jim Irish, Mike Caruso, Jim Lerczak (WHOI)

	Charles Flagg (BNL)

	Changsheng Chen, Jim Bisagni (UMD)

	Ron Schlitz (NMFS)


	JGR-Oceans Special Section

	Environmental Chronology

	1999 Stratification and Flow Synthesis

	Process Studies and Interannual Variability on Bank Edges

	1999 Tidal Mixing Front over Southern Flank

	FVCOM Development, Application, and Evaluation


	1995 Stratification Study: surface forcing; temperature & salt balances; bottom stress & tidal boundary layer; slope water intrusions.

	1999 Frontal Studies: northern flank tidal & subtidal variability, cross-frontal fluxes and mixing.

	1997, 1999 Scotian Shelf Water “cross-overs”: spring 1997; winter-spring 1999.

	1995-1999 Bank/Seasonal Scale: surface drifter flow; ADCP flow.

	Seasonal/interannual Scale: Halifax section variability; Nitrate supply and new production on GB

	Model Process Studies: diurnal heating on GB stratification; wind-forced cross-front exchange on GB; temperature and flow influences on Calanus in Gulf of St. Lawrence and Scotian Shelf



	Environmental Chronology

	Processing of 1999 Eastern Flank Frontal Exchange moored array and drifter data completed (Limeburner)

	Reprocessing of 1994-1999 Long-Term moored array data completed (Irish, Caruso, Limeburner, Beardsley)

	Preparation of WHOI Tech Report on LT data set including description of the measurements at all sites plus a physical chronology at the Southern Flank site (Irish, Caruso, Beardsley -July 2004 completion date!!!)

	Analysis of LT moored data started (Brink)


	1999 Stratification and Flow Synthesis

	Characterization of subtidal oscillatory flow (Limeburner)

	Description of eastern flank physical variability based on LT and FE moored data to be started (Beardsley, Limeburner,Flagg)

	Process Studies and Interannual Variability on Bank Edges

	Seasonal and Interannual Variability of the Shelf-Slope Front Between 75° and 50° W (Bisagni)
	Instability of Northern Flank Jet Study started (Brink, Pringle)



	1999 Tidal Mixing Front over Southern Flank
	Analysis of TMF ADCP array (Lerczak, Schlitz)
	Analysis of 1999 Ledwell tracer release experiment started (Churchill,Ledwell)

	FVCOM Development, Application, Evaluation
	GoM MM5 developed to produce surface forcing for 1995 and 1999 (Chen, Beardsley)
	FVCOM simulation of 1995 and 1999 stratification seasons completed (Chen)
	FVCOM comparison with other coastal models (POM, ROMS) on test problems (Chen, Cowles, Hedstrom, Beardsley)
	FVCOM simulation for Houghton 1999 tracer release experiment completed (Chen, Houghton, Beardsley)
	First FVCOM Users’ Workshop - June 2004 (Chen, Cowles, Beardsley)


	Next Activities (Incomplete Draft 6/21)

	Complete LT moored array Tech Report (Irish, Caruso, Beardsley)

	Write up analysis of 1999 TMF ADCP array (Lerczak, Schlitz)

	Write up Houghton 1999 tracer release FVCOM results (Chen,….)

	Start analysis of Ledwell 1999 tracer release data (Churchill, Ledwell)

	Complete LT moored array analysis, description of 1999 Eastern Flank variability (Brink, Limeburner, Flagg, Beardsley)

	Evaluate FVCOM 1995 and 1999 stratification season simulations (Chen, Beardsley, …)

	Complete northern flank jet instability study (Brink, Pringle, Chen)

	Continue FVCOM development and scientific testing

	Others ????


	Realistic simulations (tidal forcing, surface forcing (stress, Q, E-P), runoff, upstream forcing (Fss)

	Process studies (diurnal heat flux on stratified tidal rectification; cross-front exchange across NF frontal jet)

	Evaluation (comparison of time series, event behavior (Jan-Feb,1995; Apr-Jun,1999), statistical comparisons)


	Use FVCOM to hindcast currents and T,S stratification during GLOBEC field years

	Feb-Aug 1995 (can FVCOM predict accurately flow over 1-8 months; extend SF T/S budget analysis to other parts of Bank)

	Jan-Jun 1999


	Analysis of existing data for NF, NE Peak, NE Channel, Scotian Shelf to provide synoptic pictures of physical properties and biological content of NEP region

	FVCOM simulations 1999 (realistic surface forcing; effect of WCRs on SSCs; effect of alternative wind stress on surface cross-front Ekman transport)


	Detailed analysis of 1999 TMF physical data (moored, shipbroad, dye, ….)

	FVCOM simulation of Mar-Jun 1999 TMF results (test of MY mixing through dye studies, VPR, drifters,..)

	Extension to 1997 and 1995 periods of extensive SF TMF sampling


	Complete
	FVCOM dev & diurnal heating/tidal mixing front process study (1)
	Physical component online environmental chronology (2)
	Synthesis of 1999 bank-wide stratification data (3)
	Assessment of interannual variability for SSCs on Northeast Peak from historical hydrographic database (4)
	Synthesis of 1999 southern TMF physical/biological data (5)
	Analysis of structure, variability, and loss potential of SSF (3, 4)

	Start
	Realistic FVCOM simulations of 1995, 1999 stratification seasons (1, 3)
	Realistic FVCOM simulation of 1999 dye dispersion/mixing data (5)
	Process FVCOM studies of frontal exchange mechanisms along northern flank (1)


	Complete
	Assessment of SSC interannual variability using satellite SST and TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data
	Evaluation of FVCOM 1995 and 1999 seasonal simulations
	Evaluation of FVCOM 1999 tidal mixing front simulations
	Process FVCOM studies of interannual variability for SSCs using a linear superposition of wind and upstream perturbations to the mean circulation
	Combined analysis of towed, shipboard, and moored acoustic descriptions of zoo-plankton distributions


	Topic A: What are the impacts of Scotian Shelf Cross-overs on the population dynamics of the target species?

	Model studies of interannual variability of SSC events, including analysis of historical hydrographic data and altimetry and modeling of interannual drift variability using Chen’s model (Brickman, Smith, Han, Hannah)

	Model study of physical mechanisms driving SSCs (Smith, Brickman).

	ELS modeling of cod and haddock in SSCs,including effects of temperature, food supply, etc on growth and survival, and possibly demographics of adults stocks. (Brickman, Frank).

	Topic C: How do large-scale interannual and interdecadal variabilities affect population dynamics of the target species?

	Analysis of upstream sources of water masses and biota, including historical hydrographic data, freshwater sources, etc. (Smith, Hannah, Loder)

	Study of interannual variability of sea level (‘92-’00) using TOPEX/POSEIDON altimetry (Han, Smith, Loder).