THE DISTRIBUTION OF SALINITY IN THE WATERS OF LONG ISLAND SOUND, BLOCK ISLAND SOUND, AND NEWPORT BIGHT. CRUISE STIRNI-III, JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1952

Abstract

Abstract : Increases in surface temperatures (from west to east) reached a 44.5 deg F high between Montauk Point and Block Island. From Block Island southward, a steady increase was noted until a high of 44 deg F was reached near 41 deg N latitude. Temperature fluctuations between 43.5 deg and 38 deg F were recorded from Block Island to Martha's Vineyard. Temperatures from 36 deg to 36.5 deg F were noted near the mouths of the Connecticut and Housatonic Rivers. In the western half of Long Island Sound, 37 deg to 37.5 deg F water extended further westward in mid-sound than along the north shore. Temperature distribution patterns for Newport Bight, Block Island Sound, and Long Island Sound showed vertically isothermal temperatures or indicated progressive warming with depth. Sections which showed the latter phenomenon were generally of greater depth and usually crossed trenches or slopes. The surface-temperature distribution was i good agreement with surface-salinity patterns and the composite diagram of surface currents by Railey (Bull. Glingham Oceanography College, 13:3, 1952). Counterclockwise motion west of 73 deg W in Long Island Sound and clockwise motion between 73 deg 30' and 73 deg 45' W were assumed on the basis of the surface-temperature distributions.