A numerical study of near-inertial motions in the Mid-Atlantic Bight area induced by Hurricane Irene (2011)

Abstract. Hurricane Irene generated strong near-inertial currents (NICs) in ocean waters when passing over the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) of US East Coast late August 2011. It is demonstrated that a combination valuable field data and detailed model results can be taken advantage to study development decay mechanism this event. Numerical obtained with Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) are shown agree well data. Both computed observed show NICs were significant most areas MAB region except nearshore area where stratification was totally destroyed by hurricane-induced mixing. Based on energy budget, it clarified kinetic (NIKE) mainly gained from wind power during hurricane In deepwater region, NIKE basically balanced vertical turbulence diffusion (40 %) downward divergence (33 %), while continental shelf dissipated (67 partially bottom friction (24 %). Local dissipation due much more closely related rate shear rather than intensity turbulence. The at offshore side led rapid region.