Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Rotary Velocity Spectra from Short Drifter Tracks

W. R. Crawford Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

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J. Y. Cherniawsky Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

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M. G. G. Foreman Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

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Print Publication:
01 Jun 1998
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0426(1998)015<0731:RVSFSD>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
731–740
Restricted access

Abstract

The authors describe a method utilizing short-duration drifter tracks to compute rotary velocity amplitudes and phases for tidal frequency bands. These are compared to amplitudes and phases from a tidal model, revealing the regions where strong internal tides dominate the observed record or the times when inertial motions compete with the tidal signals. This method therefore enables a direct comparison between Lagrangian drifter data and Eulerian model simulations, while providing information on possible origin and spatial variability of tidal currents.

Corresponding author address: Dr. William Crawford, Institute of Ocean Sciences, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC V8L 4B2, Canada.

Email: crawford@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Abstract

The authors describe a method utilizing short-duration drifter tracks to compute rotary velocity amplitudes and phases for tidal frequency bands. These are compared to amplitudes and phases from a tidal model, revealing the regions where strong internal tides dominate the observed record or the times when inertial motions compete with the tidal signals. This method therefore enables a direct comparison between Lagrangian drifter data and Eulerian model simulations, while providing information on possible origin and spatial variability of tidal currents.

Corresponding author address: Dr. William Crawford, Institute of Ocean Sciences, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC V8L 4B2, Canada.

Email: crawford@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

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