Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2005
DOI
10.1029/2005gl023195
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
32
Issue
11
Pages
L11611 (4 pages)
Abstract
The meridional structure and seasonal cycles of near-surface hydrography and frontal features in the northern Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound are described from high-resolution measurements of near-surface temperature and salinity acquired by a vessel-mounted thermosalinograph. Near-surface temperature exhibits a well-defined seasonal cycle with little variation between basin and shelf waters. Near-surface salinity exhibits a well-defined seasonal cycle that is confined largely to the shelf waters reflecting the influence of coastal freshwater inputs. Prominent near-surface fronts at the shelf break, at the entrance to Prince William Sound, and in northern Prince William Sound intensify and weaken following the seasonal cycles of freshwater discharges into the northern Gulf of Alaska. These respective fronts are maintained by freshwater from the Alaska Coastal Current, the Copper River, and the snowfields and glaciers of northern Prince William Sound.
Rights
Web of Science: "Free full-text from publisher."
Original Publication Citation
Okkonen, S. R., Cutchin, D. L., & Royer, T. C. (2005). Seasonal variability of near-surface hydrography and frontal features in the northern Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. Geophysical Research Letters, 32(11). doi:10.1029/2005gl023195
Repository Citation
Okkonen, Stephen R.; Cutchin, David L.; and Royer, Thomas, "Seasonal Variability of Near-Surface Hydrography and Frontal Features in the Northern Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound" (2005). CCPO Publications. 258.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/ccpo_pubs/258