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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:22
Quantitatively Measuring In situ Flows using a Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus (SCUVA)
Published on: October 31, 2011
Bottom Velocity Observations Directly under the Gulf Stream
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 11, 1970
Summary
Deep ocean currents under the Gulf Stream exhibit significant speed fluctuations. These deep current changes are linked to variations in the Gulf Stream's surface position and other currents.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- The Gulf Stream is a major western boundary current in the North Atlantic.
- Understanding deep ocean current dynamics is crucial for climate and weather modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate deep current speeds and their temporal variability beneath the Gulf Stream.
- To explore potential coupling between deep and surface ocean currents.
Main Methods:
- In-situ measurements of deep ocean current velocity.
- Analysis of time-dependent motion and associated timescales.
Main Results:
- Observed deep current speeds up to 44 cm/s at 200m above the ocean bottom.
- Identified time-dependent motion with a speed range of 40 cm/s and a 30-day timescale.
- Found correlations between deep current fluctuations and surface Gulf Stream position.
Conclusions:
- Deep ocean currents under the Gulf Stream display significant variability.
- These deep current fluctuations are coupled with surface manifestations of the Gulf Stream and other currents.
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