Opposing currents, Deep Western Boundary Current and Gulf Stream

To explore why waters may be exiting the Deep Western Boundary Current, Isabela Le Bras is using a mathematical model that focuses on three features: the Deep Western Boundary Current, the topography off the Newfoundland coastline that affects it, and the Gulf Stream. Equations in the model simulate ocean dynamics, including eddies that spin off currents. By conducting numerical experiments and manipulating the strengths and configurations of the three key features, she can see which factors cause diversions from the Deep Western Boundary Current. (Illustration by Jack Cook, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)