Abstract Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are the primary driver of large-scale episodic beach erosion along coastlines in temperate regions. However, key drivers magnitude and regional variability rapid morphological changes caused by ETCs at coast remain poorly understood. Here we analyze an unprecedented dataset high-resolution regional-scale response to ETC that impacted southeast Australia, evaluate new observations within context existing long-term coastal monitoring program. This was...

Observations from an intensive oceanographic field program which took place in 1998–1999 about the separation point of East Australian Current (EAC) show significant spatial and temporal variability EAC. Upstream point, southward flowing currents are strong, with subinertial velocities up to 130 cm s −1 near‐surface waters, whereas downstream highly variable both strength (1–70 ) direction. Upwelling is observed occur through wind‐driven current‐driven processes, wind effects playing a...

A wide range of behaviour for turbulent forced plumes generated by vertical emission heated or other buoyant fluid from finite sources in extensive and otherwise still uniform environments can be represented on a single non-dimensional diagram characteristic heights, plotted against parameter Γ, which represents the balance flow conditions imposed at physical source. The set curves presented includes maximum height ascent negatively plumes, transition jet-like to plume-like above emitting...

Abstract A high-resolution, numerical study of an idealized western boundary current flow over variable topography is presented, with application to the East Australian Current (EAC). The results indicate that alongshelf topographic variations off Australia’s east coast cause EAC accelerate narrowing continental shelf near Cape Byron. This acceleration sufficient hinder geostrophic adjustment in bottom layer (BBL), which would usually EAC-driven BBL shut down. Consequently, a region...

Simultaneous in situ measurements of waves, currents and turbulence are presented to describe dissipation rates wave energy turbulent kinetic the windward coral reef‐lagoon system at Lady Elliot Island (LEI), Australia. The lagoon is tidally modulated strongly correlates with frictional due presence extremely rough bottom boundary. observed (TKE) rate, ε , this wave‐dominated much larger than recently reported values for unidirectional flows over natural fringing reefs. correlation between...

Two models, one numerical and analytical, are used to investigate mechanisms for the generation flow of Leeuwin Current observed off west coast Australia. Three experiments conducted using Bryan–Cox Ocean General Circulation Model. In first experiment an alongshore density gradient is imposed, while in latter two additional effects warm, fresh North West Shelf waters considered. The Indian produces onshore geostrophic which turn southward intensifies as it flows along Western Australia into...

Abstract The salient features of low-frequency current fluctuations, obtained from an analysis eight meter records the continental shelf and slope southern Weddell Sea, are compared to baroclinic barotropic theories. A simple theory internal waves is used successfully predict high-frequency spectral cutoff values velocity ellipse calculations made mooring data. success this indicates that higher energy levels observed over probably due motions. model free by Saint-Guily (1976) adapted for...

Temperature data collected in the shallow, tidally isolated reef flat/lagoon of Lady Elliot Island off Queensland, Australia, show marked variability under solar and tidal forcing. Sea level drops below height protective lagoon rim for a few hours during low tide, effectively isolating remaining water. Because is its temperature change (from diurnal forcing cooling) amplified. We develop simple analytical model to predict time evolution mean temperature, beginning with well‐mixed control...

Abstract Airborne scanning laser technology provides an effective method to systematically survey surface topography and changes in that with time. In this paper, the authors describe capability of a rapid-response lidar system which airborne observations are utilized results from set surveys Narrabeen–Collaroy Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, over short period time during significant erosion deposition subaerial beach occurred. The data were obtained using Riegl Q240i coupled...

The East Australian Current (EAC) is a western boundary current flowing southward off the east coast of Australia. Its eddy variability has been shown to be vigorous, typical feature being formation large warm core in Tasman Sea. dynamics controlling development such an are subject this paper. Princeton Ocean Model was tuned for conditions that prevail Sea, and initialized with features based on Royal Navy weekly temperature charts. A 70-day simulation summer captures matches fairly well...

Between June and December 1983, nine current meters three water level recorders were deployed on the continental shelf slope of Capricornia Section Great Barrier Reef between Fraser Island (25�s.) mouth Capricorn Channel (23�s.) east coast Australia. Tidal analyses hourly data set reveal an amplification semi-diurnal tides as they propagate north- westward into Channel. The results a numerical model tidal flow show excellent agreement with observations. daily averaged (non-tidal) currents...

A similarity solution is obtained for a model of the turbulent starting plume comprising steady feeding mass, momentum and buoyancy into vortex ring. Bulk equations representing time rate increase ring buoyancy, together with (dependent on broad features structure) velocity propagation circulation are used to determine motion The found exist only diffuse distributions vorticity within Further, ratio velocity, which assumed be constant, take value agrees that from experimental observations.

Spatial abundance patterns of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate, Noctiluca scintillans , were investigated along southeast coast Australia to address hypothesis that population growth is driven by anthropogenic eutrophication. Abundance related immediate physical flow field and not conditions conducive growth. cells advected southward with East Australian Current, which was dominant transport vector for in this region. Areas identified variations cell‐size distributions. Small (<525 µm)...

A study of the forcing processes responsible for upwelling events in coastal ocean Sydney, Australia, has been performed using data collected over summer 1994 from a shore-normal-aligned mooring array and numerical model. Analyses show that vertical displacements fluid nearshore zone responded principally to local wind stress during experimental period. However, intrusions mesoscale East Australian Current features are shown significantly influence structure water column middle outer shelf...