The Summer Heat Balance of the Oregon Inner Shelf Over 2 Decades: Intraseasonal Variability

This study examines the heat balance of inner shelf along US West Coast using 14 years summer temperature and velocity observations in 15 m water depth. Previous work at this site found no year-to-year variability observed mean change despite significant warming due to surface flux variable cooling across-shelf flux. Here, processes that affect coastal temperatures over time scales days months are investigated. Synoptic (on several days) was predominantly flux, as there little synoptic heating evidence an along-shelf would close two-dimensional budget when residual large. The analyses suggest influenced by multiple mechanisms addition Ekman transport winds. For example, a three-layer vertical structure 40% ± 10% during downwelling-favorable winds upwelling circulation 80% time. generally highest near bottom boundaries, where were most limited. positive time, likely resulting from uncertainty observational limitations. An improved understanding control buffer ocean has potential improve predictions under climate scenarios.