ABSTRACT 



The thermal structure of a rectangular area approximately 

 130 kilometers on a side over the Continental Shelf seaward 

 of the Virginia Capes was investigated between 24 February 

 and 11 March 1967. Sea surface temperature patterns agree 

 with previous surveys in that isotherm orientation generally 

 paralleled the coast with highest temperatures observed off 

 shore. Zero or positive vertical temperature gradients pre- 

 dominated, but some transient negative gradients occurred. 

 Warm water in the southeastern quadrant of the survey area 

 is probably Gulf Stream water advected northwestward into 

 the survey area. The warm water moved northward during 

 the survey. Chesapeake Bay discharge flowed seaward south 

 of Cape Henry. On the basis of this survey, the development 

 of thermal structure prediction techniques appears feasible pro- 

 viding a knowledge of local conditions and sufficient synoptic 

 data are available. 



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