Cross-Frontal Exchange and Scotian Shelf Cross-over Workshops

10-12 October, 2000

Holiday Inn, Falmouth, Massachusetts

 


Overview

Cross-Frontal Exchange

Presentations Discussion Topics Upcoming North Sea Study (LIFECO) (St. John)

Scotian Shelf Cross-over

Presentations Discussion Questions Synthesis Topics Appendix

 

Synthesis Topics

Timeline:

The discussion of synthesis topics began with efforts to construct a timeline of events and complementary observations related to cross-frontal studies and Scotian Shelf cross-overs in the winter/spring periods of 1998/99 and 1996/97. The timeline for the 1998/99 season (Fig. S1) is based on data listed in the Appendix. The near-surface salinity time series from the NFD,NFS, NEP, and EF moorings (see Fig. S2, below) indicate significant cross-over activity (S<32) on the Northeast Peak during the 1998/99 winter/spring season. Four of these events are directly confirmed by drifter observations. Moreover, broadscale, NMFS monitoring, and/or Canadian cruises coincided with the timing of these cross-over events for the most part, although the spatial coverage may not be suitable. The process cruises are focussed on the April/June period when there were sustained cross-overs observed at EF and NEP. Detailed analyses of particular time periods may use this summary as a starting point.

The observational data basis for the 1996/97 winter/spring period (Fig. S3) may also be found in the Appendix. Although there were no direct drifter measurements, the upper layer salinity records from NECW and SEF moorings show evidence for the presence of Scotian Shelf Water at 20+ m depth in early January, mid- to late-March, and late-May (perhaps). The records are also punctuated by a strong slope water intrusion in early April. Again, the broadscale, process, and NMFS monitoring cruises give reasonably continuous temporal coverage, but the Canadian cruises were not conducted during the period of interest.

Figure S2. Mooring sites in the Northeast Peak/ Browns Bank area; 1996/97 and 1998/99