High-Resolution Observations and Numerical Simulations of Easterly Gap Flow through the Strait of Juan de Fuca on 9–10 December 1995*

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Abstract
This paper examines the three-dimensional flow and dynamics of easterly gap flow through the Strait of Juan de Fuca on 9–10 December 1995 using high-resolution observations and model simulations. The observations were obtained during the fourth intensive observing period during the second phase of the Coastal Observation and Simulation with Topography field experiment. One of the most important data sources was the NOAA P-3 aircraft, which provided flight-level data, reflectivity, and Doppler winds as it flew down the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Below 900 m, the flow accelerated from 7 to 14 m s−1 at the entrance to the strait, with a significant cross-gap component and confluence over the eastern sections of the strait below 500 m. The easterly flow approaching the western exit of the strait accelerated from 15 to 20 m s−1. As the 900 m deep easterly flow exited the gap it decreased in depth and accelerated to ∼25 m s−1, creating a shallow swath of diffluent winds below 300 m. Later in the event whe... Abstract This paper examines the three-dimensional flow and dynamics of easterly gap flow through the Strait of Juan de Fuca on 9–10 December 1995 using high-resolution observations and model simulations. The observations were obtained during the fourth intensive observing period during the second phase of the Coastal Observation and Simulation with Topography field experiment. One of the most important data sources was the NOAA P-3 aircraft, which provided flight-level data, reflectivity, and Doppler winds as it flew down the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Below 900 m, the flow accelerated from 7 to 14 m s−1 at the entrance to the strait, with a significant cross-gap component and confluence over the eastern sections of the strait below 500 m. The easterly flow approaching the western exit of the strait accelerated from 15 to 20 m s−1. As the 900 m deep easterly flow exited the gap it decreased in depth and accelerated to ∼25 m s−1, creating a shallow swath of diffluent winds below 300 m. Later in the event whe...

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