Abstract
THE results of investigations on the behaviour of the Gulf Stream were communicated to a recent meeting of the American Geographical Union at Washington by Mr. P. E. Church. According to Science Service, Mr. Church discovered many irregularities in width and temperature but no clear seasonal fluctuations. The data were obtained by recording instruments installed on commercial vessels crossing the triangle of waters between Halifax, Bermuda, and the Georgian coast. Inshore water extends to about the hundred-fathom line, beyond which is a wide area of cool water, ending in a narrow band of cold water believed to be due to upwelling from the depths. The Gulf Stream lies beyond, and was found to be 50 miles wide off Cape Hatteras and not more than 70 miles wide south of Nova Scotia. Outside the Gulf Stream to the south-east lies a broad area of warm water reaching towards mid-ocean. During the winter months, and occasionally at other seasons, the Gulf Stream flows as a double stream, with a tongue of cold water between, which may pinch off the northern stream and push the main stream considerably southward. Mr. Church does not explain this deviation, but doubts if wind action is the cause. South of Halifax the northern edge of the Gulf Stream averages a distance of 290 miles offshore but varies between 230 and 420 miles.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
The Gulf Stream. Nature 130, 162 (1932). https://doi.org/10.1038/130162c0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/130162c0