The Rose Spit Eddy in Dixon Entrance: Evidence for its existence and underlying dynamics

Abstract

The existence and dynamics of the so‐called “Rose Spit Eddy” in Dixon Entrance, British Columbia, are investigated by (i) analysing published observations of low‐frequency Eulerian and Lagrangian currents in the region; (ii) interpreting tidal residuals produced by the Hecate Model (a non‐rotating hydraulic model of Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance); and (iii) running a barotropic, non‐linear numerical tidal model over simplified topography to investigate residuals produced over the Rose Spit sill.

Observations have consistently revealed persistent basin‐wide, surface‐intensified cyclonic shears within central and eastern Dixon Entrance. The Hecate hydraulic tidal model also produced a tidal residual cyclonic gyre in central Dixon Entrance, but with velocities considerably larger than those observed. Barotropic numerical simulations of tidal streams flowing over a representation of the Rose Spit sill produced residual flows along the sill in reasonable agreement with observations and theory. A southward‐directed jet flow was produced off Cape Chacon. Elsewhere, tidal rectification was weak. Run without the Coriolis force, organized flow along the sill broke down, although the headland jet off Cape Chacon persisted.

We submit that the observed Rose Spit eddy results from interactions between buoyancy‐driven coastal currents and tidally rectified flows generated over the Rose Spit sill, and near Cape Chacon, and perhaps indirectly, over the western flank of Learmonth Bank (which although west of the Rose Spit eddy, contributes to the cross‐channel flow across the Entrance). These regions of localized tidal stress will each favour recirculation of a portion of the coastal current within the Entrance, helping to form the eddy.

We believe that the Hecate hydraulic model eddy was generated to a significant degree by phase errors introduced at the northern open boundary, where a rocking barrier was used to force currents. A second rocking barrier also produced a large cyclonic gyre, not supported by observations, near the model's southern boundary.