The average distribution of volume transport and potential vorticity with temperature at three sections across the Gulf stream.

Abstract

Uses data from PEGASUS current profilers at three locations along the Gulf Stream to examine the distribution of transport increase versus temperature between the two southern sections and off Cape Hatteras. Considers the relationship between the layer potential vorticity and the potential vorticity. Examines transport in 2.5DEGREESC temperature intervals, the cross stream structure of transport and cross stream distributions of transport, potential vorticity and layer thickness versus temperature. Two thirds of the increase is located in the 18DEGREES layer water and in water colder than 7DEGREESC. Proposes a simple model based on conservation of layer potential vorticity.