Currents in Monterey Submarine Canyon

Currents in Monterey Submarine Canyon
Author: John Edward Hollister
Publisher:
Total Pages: 188
Release: 1975
Genre: Ocean currents
ISBN:

Time series were obtained from two current meters near bottom on one mooring in Monterey Submarine Canyon. These records were analyzed to determine the general character of the currents, the volume transport at different levels above the canyon floor, the power spectral estimates of the upcanyon and cross-caynon directional components, and the coherence between directional components. Current speed variations appeared as a series of peaks occurring every 5 to 6 hr with maxima of 17 to 21 cm/sec. Current directions oscillated with a discernible period of about 12 hr. Currents 30 m above the bottom were aligned nearly along the canyon axis; currents 60 m above the bottom were nearly perpendicular to the canyon axis. The spectral analysis indicated tides as a major driving force of the deep currents, but also indicated the presence of other forcing functions, possibly internal waves, with shorter periods. The coherence between instruments was low, suggesting the possible presence of a near-bottom boundary layer, or that significant signal deterioration was caused by noise.

A Photographic Reconnaissance of the Microrelief in the Monterey and Carmel Submarine Canyons, California

A Photographic Reconnaissance of the Microrelief in the Monterey and Carmel Submarine Canyons, California
Author: John Alexander Jensen
Publisher:
Total Pages: 298
Release: 1976
Genre: Photography in oceanography
ISBN:

Over 500 underwater photographs were taken in the Monterey and Carmel submarine canyons for the purpose of studying their microrelief. The pictures indicated that a variety of biological and physical differences exist not only within each canyon but also between the two nearby canyons. In MOnterey Canyon are to be found fine grain sediments which have been very actively churned by benthic organisms. Few rock outcrops were noted, and definitive evidence of current activity in the form of ripple marks was observed in only one region. Carmel Canyon included generally coarser grain material than Monterey Canyon and showed a marked absence of active burrowing. A large number of rock outcrops was observed and there appeared to be extensive current activity throughout most of the canyon. (Author).

Apparent Surface Currents Over the Monterey Submarine Canyon Measured by the Method of Towed Electrodes

Apparent Surface Currents Over the Monterey Submarine Canyon Measured by the Method of Towed Electrodes
Author: Karl Arthur Mahumed
Publisher:
Total Pages: 176
Release: 1975
Genre: Ocean currents
ISBN:

Five data cruises were taken on board R/V ACANIA to study the effect on the Geomagnetic Electrokinetograph (GEK) of various environmental factors, including wings, tides, and internal waves, over the Monterey Submarine Canyon. An in situ current meter was used successfully on one occasion to obtain data to establish a k-factor for the GEK in the Submarine Canyon, and to directly measure the particle velocities of internal waves. The observed surface currents measured with the GEK all exhibited little or no correlation with winds and tides. The flows were all generally southerly; their averages agreed with previous measurements made with the GEK. This direction of flow was opposite to the generalizations of Scott and possibly agreed with those of Pirie, depending upon the placement of one of his eddies. The k-factor for the GEK could not be determined because currents measured directly in the thermocline were found to be not correlated with the GEK measurements. However, the average current speeds were in reasonable agreement with currents measured at other times in Monterey Bay, leading to the conclusion that k cannot be much greater than the assumed value of 1.0. (Author).

Bottom Current Measurements in the Head of Monterey Submarine Canyon

Bottom Current Measurements in the Head of Monterey Submarine Canyon
Author: Peter H. Gatje
Publisher:
Total Pages: 140
Release: 1965
Genre: Ocean currents
ISBN:

Bottom current measurements were taken in the head of Monterey Submarine Canyon in a water depth of 130 meters (72 fathoms) utilizing an Ekman current meter placed 480 centimeters (15.7 feet) above the bottom. Currents were observed to follow the canyon axes, and flow was seaward (down-canyon) on the rising tide and coastward (up-canyon) on the falling tide. Current speed was sometimes fairly steady and other times variable. It ranged between 0 and 41 centimeters per second (0 to 0.8 knot) and had a median speed of 10 cm/sec (0.2 knot). The six hours centered around low tide generally had considerably stronger currents than the similar period of time centered around high tide. (Author).