Physics Master of Science Thesis Defense by Ian Gifford
When: Thursday,
June 29, 2023
12:00 PM
-
2:00 PM
Where: > See description for location
Description: Physics Master of Science Thesis Defense by Ian Gifford
Date: June 29, 2023
Time: 12:00pm
Topic: The Synchronicity of The Gulf Stream Free Jet and Wind Induced Cyclonic Vortices
Location: SENG 108
Abstract:
After the Gulf Stream separates from the continental slope near Cape Hatteras, it flows towards the east-northeast for the next 2500 km toward the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. During this journey the jet is largely free of topographic constraints and its position varies across multiple temporal and spatial scales that include large-scale meridional shifts in the axis of the current and eastward propagating mesoscale meanders. Along this path, the Gulf Stream is subjected to overlying atmospheric winds, while affecting processes from fisheries to atmospheric events and is an indicator of climate change. Based on 27 years (1993-2019) of reanalysis wind data and satellite altimetry observations used to determine the Gulf Stream path, we present observational evidence that the path of this freely meandering jet is aligned with the region of maximum cyclonic vorticity of the wind stress field (known as the positive vorticity pool). This synchronicity is observed for times-scales from months to decades.
ADVISOR(S): Dr. Avijit Gangopadhyay, SMAST (avijit.gangopadhyay@umassd.edu)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Dr. Robert Fisher, Department of Physics and Dr. Jay Wang, Department of Physics
NOTE: All PHY Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend.
Date: June 29, 2023
Time: 12:00pm
Topic: The Synchronicity of The Gulf Stream Free Jet and Wind Induced Cyclonic Vortices
Location: SENG 108
Abstract:
After the Gulf Stream separates from the continental slope near Cape Hatteras, it flows towards the east-northeast for the next 2500 km toward the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. During this journey the jet is largely free of topographic constraints and its position varies across multiple temporal and spatial scales that include large-scale meridional shifts in the axis of the current and eastward propagating mesoscale meanders. Along this path, the Gulf Stream is subjected to overlying atmospheric winds, while affecting processes from fisheries to atmospheric events and is an indicator of climate change. Based on 27 years (1993-2019) of reanalysis wind data and satellite altimetry observations used to determine the Gulf Stream path, we present observational evidence that the path of this freely meandering jet is aligned with the region of maximum cyclonic vorticity of the wind stress field (known as the positive vorticity pool). This synchronicity is observed for times-scales from months to decades.
ADVISOR(S): Dr. Avijit Gangopadhyay, SMAST (avijit.gangopadhyay@umassd.edu)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Dr. Robert Fisher, Department of Physics and Dr. Jay Wang, Department of Physics
NOTE: All PHY Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend.
Contact: > See Description for contact information
Topical Areas: Faculty, SMAST, Students, Graduate, Students, Undergraduate, Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Computer and Information Science, Co-op Program, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics