FOREWORD 



The Naval Oceanographic Office is conducting comprehensive descrip- 

 tive investigations of the thermohaline structure in the western North 

 Atlantic. These investigations aid in understanding physical properties 

 of ocean areas. One of the goals of these studies is prediction of 

 the thermal structure using empirical and dynamic methods. 



This report presents four methods used to numerically simulate and 

 predict Gulf Stream meandering, a dominant feature of the western North 

 Atlantic. Other models being developed deal with warm and cold eddies, 

 the slope frontal system, and the seasonal aspects of heating and cooling 

 The objective of these investigations is to provide the Fleet with a 

 means for real-time prediction of significant operational environmental 

 factors. 



F. L. SLATTERY 1 

 Captain, U.S. NavjV 

 Commander 



