On the Effect of Precipitation and Runoff on Coastal Circulation in the Gulf of Alaska

Abstract

Surface waters in the Gulf of Alaska undergo a net dilution throughout most of the. year since the regional precipitation exceeds evaporation. Recent hydrographic data give evidence that seasonal dynamic height fluctuations in the upper layers (130 cm year−1), runoff, longshore accumulation of fresh water around the gyre, and the low water temperatures. The coastal sea level is in phase and has nearly the same amplitude as the local dynamic height, though not in phase wit... Abstract Surface waters in the Gulf of Alaska undergo a net dilution throughout most of the. year since the regional precipitation exceeds evaporation. Recent hydrographic data give evidence that seasonal dynamic height fluctuations in the upper layers (130 cm year−1), runoff, longshore accumulation of fresh water around the gyre, and the low water temperatures. The coastal sea level is in phase and has nearly the same amplitude as the local dynamic height, though not in phase wit...