FY 1979

A numerical investigation of the Bering Sea circulation using a linear homogeneous model

Han, Y.J., and J.A. Galt

NOAA Tech. Memo. ERL PMEL-15, NTIS: PB-299884/AS, 38 pp (1979)

A linear diagnostic model was constructed to simulate the Bering Sea circulation. Monthly mean wind stresses along with lateral water mass exchanges were used as model-forcing functions. The numerical solutions obtained for the case of annual mean wind stress generally agreed with an existing view about the cyclonic circulation of the seawater. The solutions obtained for each 12-month period, however, revealed significant seasonal differences in both magnitudes and flow patterns. Additional controlled experiments indicated that the winter circulation regime was strongly influenced by wind stresses as well as lateral water mass exchanges, whereas the summer circulation regime was basically controlled by the latter. The model results also showed that the circulation is strongly bathymetry-dependent.