A mechanism for offshore transport across the Gulf Stream

This paper explores a possible mechanism to explain an atypical phenomenon observed in the Gulf Scream between the Florida Straits and Cape Hatteras, namely, upgradient momentum transport and associated eddy-to-mean energy co nversion on the cyclonic shear side. The proposed mechanism is based on the results of an experimental study of free surface turbulent jets in a rotat ing system and on theoretical descriptions of rotating shear flows. Unlike held situations, where Coriolis effects are always present, the laboratory experiment provides a convenient means of comparing turbulence characterist ics in rotating and nonrotating systems. Rotation is shown to alter turbule nce eddy orientation, thus affecting the momentum transport and energy conv ersion processes.