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In this research we find that:
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The
NRL Layered Ocean model adequately reproduces observations.
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There
are two main pathways for incoming NEC flow exist in the Hawaiian Islands
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region, one north of the islands, forming
the NHRC, the other south.
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The
NHRC transport is dictated by:
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1. |
The
non-linear inertial boundary layer width scale, which sets the NHRC width
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at 100 km,
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A
subsequent reduction in Alenuihaha Channel flow arising the change in
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dynamical boundary layer width from that
of a Munk (1950) viscous western
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boundary to an inertial boundary layer,
and
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3. |
An
enhancement arising from the interaction between the upper ocean flow and
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the abyssal circulation, which is
constrained by the bottom topography.
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The
effects of Ekman flow on the mean NHRC are negligible.
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There
is a substantive effect of the Hawaiian Islands on both the local and
regional
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atmospheric and oceanic circulations.
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