HR: 0830h
AN: OS11A-09    [Abstracts]
TI: Temporal Variability of Gulf Stream Warm and Cold Ring Formation (1975-2004)
AU: * Gilman, C
EM: gilman@coastal.edu
AF: Coastal Carolina University, P.O. Box 261954, Conway, SC 29528 United States
AU: Byrd, A
EM: albyrd@coastal.edu
AF: Coastal Carolina University, P.O. Box 261954, Conway, SC 29528 United States
AB: Weekly maps and satellite images of Gulf Stream position were obtained and analyzed to compile a record of Gulf Stream ring formation. The record begins in 1975 and the 30 year dataset consists of nearly 400 warm and cold core rings. Warm core rings were tracked to document their lifespan and the location they were reabsorbed by the Gulf Stream. Cold core rings could not be tracked since their locations are often lost on the sea surface temperature images as the rings drift far from the Gulf Stream. Observations indicate a decrease in the number of rings formed over the last decade. Statistical analysis indicates this decrease could be part of a 12-14 year cycle in ring formations.
DE: 4520 Eddies and mesoscale processes
DE: 4576 Western boundary currents
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly