Preliminary results from a numerical study of the New England Seamount Chain influence on the Gulf Stream

Abstract

The Dynamical Ocean Forecasting Branch of NORDA is tasked with developing an ocean forecasting capability for the Navy using dynamical ocean models. In addition to model development, performance of this mission requires studies of ocean dynamics, ocean predictability, data assimilation, and oceanic prediction. The Gulf Stream is an important part of the system to be predicted. Approximately 1000 km east of Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream crosses the New England Seamount Chain. Observations presented by Richardson suggest that the New England Seamount Chain has a marked influence on the Gulf Stream. If so, this substantially complicates the Gulf Stream prediction problem. Some alternatives are to a) resolve the seamounts, b) parametrize the seamounts, or c) introduce data downstream to correct the field.In this study we use a simply two‐layer primitive‐equation model to study the influence of the New England Seamount Chain on the Gulf Stream. The model domain extends from Cape Hatteras to the Grand Banks an...