On the relationship between the intensity of extratropical frontal cyclone systems and water levels in the Gulf of Mexico
Abstract
The effects of winter season frontal cyclone systems on tidal-period Gulf of Mexico water levels are investigated. The passage of a series of hypothetical and observed frontal cyclone systems across the Gulf of Mexico is simulated using a Gulf-wide hydrodynamic model driven by a synoptic-scale, balanced flow wind model. The observed frontal cyclone systems were selected to represent a fast moving front, a slow moving front, and a frontal system which involved Gulf cyclogenesis. Evaluation of the model simulations was based upon comparison of tidal anomalies acquired at National Ocean Service tidal monitoring stations. Results of the model simulations show generally good qualitative agreement with the tidal anomalies. Because the wind model used routinely available meteorological data, forecasts of surge levels in the Gulf may be possible.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Vincent, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Atmosphere
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