Characterization of Internal Wave Activity in the Straits of Florida

The Gulf Stream current in the Straits is typically dominated by a strong northerly current,
associated shear, and eddies. The water column also includes a prominent thermocline and
periodically features internal waves centered on the upper or lower edges of the thermocline.
Despite numerous previous related studies, there is limited available field data on internal waves
in the Straits of Florida. Here, study and analysis of velocity, temperature and conductivity data
acquired in the Straits over a period of time are described, in support of identifying presence of
internal waves in the flow. A systematic procedure is employed in modifying the universal Garrett-
Munk spectrum for internal waves in the open ocean for application to flow in the Straits of
Florida. Using this process, identified internal waves are characterized and related velocity
fluctuations in the time series are isolated to facilitate consideration of their correlations with
simultaneously observed magnetic fields.