David A. Brooks
Published: 1977
Total Pages: 92
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Atmospheric pressure and wind stress fluctuations are strongly coupled to sea level fluctuations along the Carolina coasts at periods of 2.5 to 3.5 days. Sea level fluctuations in this band exhibit high coherence over a horizontal separation exceeding 500 km. Phase difference calculations indicate southward propagation of the sea level fluctuations from Beaufort to Wilmington, North Carolina; the data considered are insufficient to conclusively determine propagation direction south of Wilmington. The 2.5-3.5 day period sea level fluctuations are consistent with a theoretically expected first mode, barotropic continental shelf wave. It is concluded that continental shelf waves forced by the atmosphere contribute to the shelf and slope water circulation off North Carolina.