A Mechanism for Offshore Transport across the Gulf Stream

Abstract

This paper explores a possible mechanism to explain an atypical phenomenon observed in the Gulf Stream between the Florida Straits and Cape Hatteras, namely, upgradient momentum transport and associated eddy-to-mean energy conversion on the cyclonic shear side. The proposed mechanism is based on the results of an experimental study of free surface turbulent jets in a rotating system and on theoretical descriptions of rotating shear flows. Unlike field situations, where Coriolis effects are always present, the laboratory experiment provides a convenient means of comparing turbulence characteristics in rotating and nonrotating systems. Rotation is shown to alter turbulence eddy orientation, thus affecting the momentum transport and energy conversion processes.