Scotian Shelf cross-overs during winter/spring 1999
P. C. Smith, J. A. Shore, C. G. Hannah, D. Lawrence,
J. W. Loder,
D. J. Lawrence, and R. Limeburner
Satellite imagery (AVHRR) and the trajectories of 10-m drogued
drifters, deployed regularly on the southern and western flanks of
Browns Bank during winter/spring 1999 show a high degree of
variability in drift pathways, and a significant frequency of
cross-overs of near-surface waters to Georges Bank. Statistics
reveal that after 10 days, roughly 50% (15-20%) of the drifters have
penetrated the 200-m (100-m) isobath on the southeastern flank of
Georges. After 60 days, 25% (20%) have crossed the 100-m (60-m)
isobath. Model studies indicate that such behavior is qualitatively
consistent with drift pathways in the seasonal mean flow fields, but
the observed rates of drift are roughly twice those found in the
model.