Processes Coupling the Upper and Deep Ocean on the Continental Slope

We seek to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the dynamical mechanisms of vertical coupling over topography. • To construct a realistic model of the potential vorticity (PV) distribution on density layers across the Gulf Stream, generated from high-resolution density and velocity observations. • To demonstrate evidence of vertical coupling between the upper and lower layers in a hypothesized feedback loop, as follows: (a) Topographic Rossby Waves (TRWs) passing under the Gulf Stream near Cape Hatteras trigger small amplitude meanders in the upper layer jet, which (b) propagate downstream and grow to form steep troughs and rings, which (c) in turn radiate energetic new TRWs, that (d) propagate back along the continental slope to Cape Hatteras. • To test, in collaboration with Ginis and Sutyrin at URI, the degree to which model dynamics can account for the observed coupling between energetic deep eddies and variability of strong baroclinic upper jets – particularly as affected by continental slope topography.