An implicit numerical model for two-dimensional hydrodynamic flow in coastal seas by Leendertse (1967), as modified by Hart (1976), was applied to Monterey Bay. The model was tested against available water-level and current observations. The responses of Monterey Bay to tidal forcing and steady-state winds were simulated. Under tidal forcing it was found to provide reasonable estimates of sa-surface elevations. Currents were not well predicted, indicating that other mechanisms such as wind, density stratification, and oceanic currents generally dominate the forcing of the circulation in Monterey Bay. The model in its present form was found to be potentially suitable for providing real-time tide correctors during a hydrographic survey, achieving an RMS error of 4.5 cm in predicting sea-surface elevations. (Author).

A first order description of tidal heights and currents in Monterey Bay is provided. Analysis of sea level records indicate that a mixed, predominantly semidiurnal tide nearly co-oscillates within the bay. Analysis of month-long moored ADCP records obtained in the winter and summer of 1992 reveals that tidal-band currents account for approximately 50 percent of the total current variance in the upper ocean (20-200 m). A relatively strong (7 cm/s) fortnightly tide (MSf) is present in both seasons. Considerable rotation of the semidiurnal ellipse orientations occurs with depth during both seasons. A month- long record of surface current measurements obtained with CODAR, an HF radar system, during September 1992 reveals that the Monterey Submarine Canyon clearly influences the strength and direction of semidiurnal (M2) tidal currents. Good agreement exists between the strength and orientation of ADCP- and CODAR-derived tidal ellipses, with the exception of the constituent K1. Large, spatially uniform K1 surface currents (20-30 cm/s) appear to be the result of diurnal sea breeze forcing.

Shipboard ADCP and CTD measurements were conducted in Monterey Submarine Canyon in April and October 1994 to determine the propagation characteristics and energy levels of the semidiurnal internal tide. The measurements reveal a bottom intensified internal tide propagating energy up canyon. The region of strongest motion is in a beam 150-200 m thick, centered approximately 150 m above the Canyon floor. Along canyon baroclinic M2 currents are typically 15-20 cm/s, an order of magnitude larger than the estimated barotropic tidal currents. In April 1994, the internal tidal beam is well described by a progressive wave, while in October 1994, the signal is standing along and perpendicular to the beam. The Princeton Ocean Model was used to study the generation and propagation of semidiurnal internal tides in submarine canyons and to investigate their sensitivity to canyon shape.

April and May of 1988 along the central California coast were characterized as a period of strong coastal upwelling produced by moderate to strong northwesterly winds present throughout the period. A product of this upwelling event was the manifestation of southward geostrophic currents which extended to a distance of approximately 50 km from the coast. From 08 to 11 May 1988, hydrographic surveying was conducted within the Monterey Bay. Internal waves, with amplitudes of up to 30 m were present throughout the period and effectively masked the mean signal, implying that averaging is essential to avoid aliasing. The current -- temperature -- depth (CTD) data were averaged to estimate the mean field during this time frame. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data, were also averaged. The mean flow field and dynamic topography implied anticyclonic surface flow with cyclonic flow at 200 m depth. ADCP derived mean flows compared favorably with geostrophic mean flow rate in all areas except one, the deep outflow region along the northern wall of the Canyon. Application of ocean models of boundary layer flow of the geostrophic mean field yielded flows similar to those described above. Wind stress experiments indicated that strong wind field may influence surface circulation in the Bay. Interactions between the coastal upwelling geostrophic jet and the Monterey Submarine Canyon is believed to have been a major mechanism responsible for the mean flow.