Fall AGU Meeting (Dec. 2002) COAST abstracts:

• Allen
  
• Bane et al.
  
• Barth et al.
  
• Carney et al.
  
• Couch et al.
  
• Cowles et al.
  
• Dale et al.
  
• Durski et al.
  
• Egbert et al.
  
• Gan et al.
  
• Hales et al.
  
• Kosro et al.
  
• Kuebel et al.
  
• Kurapov et al.
  
• Perlin et al.
  
• Pierce et al.
  
• Ruttenberg et al.
  
• Samelson
  
• Spitz et al.
  
• Wheeler
  

Abstracts should be cited as:

EOS Trans. AGU, 83 (47),
Fall Meet. Suppl.,
Abstract XXXXX-XX, 2002

OS62A-0242

Simulation of Wind-Driven Circulation on the Northern California Coast

S J Couch and J S Allen

Time-dependent, three-dimensional circulation on the continental
shelf off California in the region from 37.75N to 40.25N is
studied using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). ROMS is
a free-surface, hydrostatic, primitive equation ocean model that
uses generalized sigma coordinates in the vertical and orthogonal
curvilinear coordinates in the horizontal. A limited area curvilinear
grid with realistic local topography is specified. The grid extends
465 km alongshore and 225 km offshore (204 by 100 grid cells)
with 40 vertical levels.  The response of the coastal ocean during
summer 2001 upwelling conditions to forcing by observed wind stress
and estimated heat flux is examined. Strong upwelling favorable
conditions persist throughout the majority of the simulation
period. The model simulations show an energetic southward coastal
jet that dominates the structure of the alongshore flow over
the continental shelf. Interaction of the wind-forced flow with
headland features leads to separation at Point Arena and Point
Reyes. These flow separation events provide a mechanism for eddy
generation on the shelf. When upwelling conditions relax, northward
currents develop near the coast. These northward currents vary in
strength alongshore but are typically stronger to the south of Point
Arena and Point Reyes.  Comparisons of the model output with data
collected during the WEST (Wind Events and Shelf Transport) field
experiment will be presented and the associated dynamics discussed.