Tidal Transport in the Florida Current and Its Relationship to Tidal Heights and Cable Voltages

Abstract

A linear relationship between tidal height (sea level of tidal frequencies) and tidal transport near 27°N in the Straits of Florida is confirmed. Transport estimates from this relationship for the O1 and M2 constituents are compared with those computed from cable voltages across the Florida Current. These estimates are independent in that the weighted tidal height model (tidal-height transport relationship) was developed using collective sets of current meter and velocity profiler data obtained at different times of the year and in different locations. The cable voltages, however, were calibrated using a quasi-synoptic sectional integration of depth-averaged profiler data. Further, a means is suggested by which changes in the cable calibration can be detected.