Surface Temperatures of the Gulf Stream and Its Bordering Waters

作者：Phil E. Church · 发表于：Geographical Review · 年份：1932 · DOI：10.2307/209180 · 被引用次数：5 · 研究领域：Marine and fisheries research、Marine and environmental studies、Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes

S the Gulf Stream coming closer? This has been a favorite question during the mild winter just passed in the Eastern states. Now, for the first time, a definite answer is possible. Synoptic charts of the sea surface temperatures of the western North Atlantic made from accurate thermograph records' show the distinctly narrow band or ribbon of hot water to be an invariable characteristic of the Gulf Stream. Also they show for the first time the remarkable interdigitation north of the Gulf Stream as if from eddy detachments of warm water from the stream. Since I926, when it became apparent that the ordinary bucket data were not sufficiently accurate for a study of Gulf Stream temperatures,2 an increasing number of thermographs have been operated on steamships in the western Atlantic.3 By selecting practically simultaneous thermograms over the various routes the construction of synoptic charts is possible. Owing to the slow changes of temperature and the relatively slow movement of the water, thermograms falling within a single week may be considered simultaneous. Thirty-six charts have been made showing the thermal pattern and fluctuations at intervals of varying length from January, I929, to May, I93I. Five are shown as Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.