Anisotropic Response of Surface Currents to the Wind in a Coastal Region

• DOI: 10.1175/2009jpo4013.1
• Publication Date: 2009-01-27T19:15:33Z
• Authors: Sung Yong Kim; Bruce D. Cornuelle; Eric J. Terrill
• Keywords: Wind Stress; Log wind profile; Forcing (mathematics)

Abstract Analysis of coastal surface currents measured off the coast San Diego for two years suggests an anisotropic and asymmetric response to wind, probably as a result bottom/coastline boundary effects, including pressure gradients. In linear regression, statistically estimated explains approximately 20% more current variance than isotropic wind–ocean model. After steady wind forcing three days, veers 42° ± 2° right regardless direction, whereas analysis that upcoast (onshore) stress generates with 10° 4° (71° 3°) direction. The thus reflects dominance alongshore in this region. Both analyses yield wind-driven 3%–5% speed, expected. addition, nonlinear functions are considered, responses examined. These results provide comprehensive statistical model region, which has not been well identified previous field studies, but is qualitatively consistent descriptions ocean models.