4 Currents 



Surface current speed and direction at the FRF are influenced by winds, waves, and, indirectiy, by 

 the bottom topography. The extent of the respective influences varies daily. However, winds tend to 

 dominate the currents at the seaward end of the pier, whereas waves dominate within the surf zone. 



Observations 



Near 0700 EST, daily observations of surface current speed and direction were made at (a) the 

 seaward end of the pier, (b) the midsurf position on the pier, and (c) 10 to 15 m from the beach 

 500 m updrift of the pier. Surface currents were determined by observing the movement of dye on 

 the water surface. 



Results 



Annual mean and mean currents for 1980 through 1992 are presented in Table 6 and in Figure 16. 

 Figure 16 shows the daily and average annual measurements at the beach, pier midsurf, and pier end 

 locations. Since the relative influences of the winds and waves vary with position from shore, the 

 current speeds and, to some extent, direction vary at the beach, midsurf, and pier end locations. 

 Magnitudes generally are largest at the midsurf location and lowest at the end of the pier. 



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