Modes of Gulf Stream intrusion into the South Atlantic Bight Shelf Waters

Gulf Stream meanders and the associated vertical motions present water of varying densities at the shelf break along the southeast United States continental shelf. Under certain conditions of wind and Gulf Stream motion the vertically advected, deeper, Gulf Stream waters will intrude into these shelf waters. Depending on the ambient shelf water density the intruding water will override, interleave or form a bottom intrusion. Analysis of available hydrographic data indicates 20°C Gulf Stream water could form a bottom intrusion anywhere along the coast except in January when shelf water densities are relatively higher. 24°C Gulf Stream water could only form bottom intrusions in April through November. The remainder of the year 24°C waters would interleave or override.