Recent Observations of Variability in the Path and Vertical Structure of the Alaskan Stream

Abstract

Pac. Mar. Environ. Lab., NOAA Build., No. 3, 7600 Sand Point Way, N.E., Seattle, WA 98115, USA J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) Current records were recently obtained from two sites on the continental slope southwest of Kodiak Island. At the inshore site (10-month record), flow mainly resembled the weak shelf-break flow typical of the Gulf of Alaska. Except for two periods, each of similar to 3 months duration, the offshore site (31-month record) was in the path of the Alaskan Stream. During the Alaskan Stream segments, flow characteristics (low eddy energy, high vertical coherence, and high stability) were similar to those in the stream at other locations. When the stream was absent from the offshore site, it made a seaward excursion of similar to 50 km as evidenced by satellite-tracked drifters ASFA 2: Ocean Technology, Policy and Non Living Resources (Q2) Pacific-Northeast (INE) 2175194 ----------------------------------------------...