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Understanding the Alaskan Coastal Current: Formation, Dynamics, and Impact

The Alaskan Coastal Current, influenced by storm systems from the Aleutian Low, generates persistent cyclonic winds. These winds drive onshore surface Ekman Transport and coastal downwelling, creating a year-round coastal current along the Gulf of Alaska's continental shelf. Rainfall occurs due to winds over the coastal mountains, with annual precipitation between 2-6 m. Runoff patterns vary seasonally, with strong summer thaw leading to freshwater flow over denser saltwater. This current is vital in shaping local ecosystems and influencing salinity gradients.

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Understanding the Alaskan Coastal Current: Formation, Dynamics, and Impact

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  1. The Alaskan Coastal Current Presented by: Gerry Butrico

  2. The Alaskan Coastal Current • Formed by storm systems associated with the Aleution Low • Results in persistent cyclonic winds that impel onshore surface Ekman Transport and costal downwelling • Year round current, trapped near the coast • Forced by wind and buoyancy • Most prominent circulation of the Gulf of Alaska’s continental shelf

  3. The Alaskan Coastal Current • Precipitation is a result of winds blowing over the mountains near the coast • The coast is on the windward side of the Mountains • Rainfall between 2-6 m/yr • Wind stress and runoff have seasonal variability • Wind is strong in winter, weak in summer

  4. The Alaskan Coastal Current • Runoff is weak in the winter because most of the precipitation is stored as snow along the coast. • Strongest during summer thaw and rain • Runoff causes lower salinity near the surface • Controls horizontal and vertical density gradients.

  5. The Alaskan Coastal Current • Freshwater runoff flows on top of the denser salt water. • The coriolis force, along with the coastal down welling caused by Ekman Transport causes the buoyant water to flow as a current

  6. The End Source: Weingarther, Thomas J., Seth L. Dainelson, Thomas C. Royer, 2005: Freshwater variability and predictability in the Alaska Costal Current, Deep Sea Research II, 52, 169-191.

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