Structure and variability of the Florida current at 27 DEGREE N: April 1982-July 1984.

Abstract

Reports results of a field experiment (Subtropical Atlantic Climate Studies/STACS programme) in which PEGASUS acoustic current profilers, over 16 cruises, were used to measure the Florida current at 27 degrees north. Presents statistical properties, for the vertical structure of the mean and perturbation velocity, temperature and density fields. A large portion of the essemble perturbationss is due to variability on short time scales. Studies the temperal structure of the velocity, and transport noting that the Florida current can be considered as a two layer system. Average total heat flux is 1.29 x 10 SUP 1 SUP 5w. Considers possible forcing functions, and compares prediced transports (barotropic and barotropic modes) with observations. (C.J.U.)