2010: Near-surface dynamics of a separated jet in the coastal transition zone off

Three-dimensional circulation in the coastal transition zone (CTZ) off Oregon is studied using a 3-km resolution model based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The study period is spring-summer 2002, when extensive observa-tions are available from the North Eastern Pacific Component of the Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (GLOBEC-NEP) project. Our main focus is on near-surface transports, particularly in an area off Cape Blanco where an energetic coastal cur-rent is separated in the CTZ. Comparisons with available observations (velocities from mid-shelf moorings, surface velocities from high-frequency radars, satellite SST maps, along-track SSH altimetry, and SeaSoar hydrography) show that the model reproduces qualitatively correctly the flow structure and variability in the study area. The near-surface flow behavior during 26 July–21 August, a late-summer time period of strong, time-variable southward winds, is examined. During that period the coastal jet has separated from the continental shelf around Cape Blanco (43 ◦N). The energetic separated jet continues to flow southward in a near-coastal Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information