Extremal Analysis of Current Speeds on the Atlantic Canadian Continental Margin

A standard extreme value analysis technique (Gumbal theory) is being used on moored currents data to intercompare the current speed extremes among different horizontal and vertical positions over the continental margin. The technique provides a systematic approach in dealing with currents records of different duration.

Sites of moored current measurements being used in the extremal analysis.
Sites of moored current measurements being used in the extremal analysis.
Example of the 33-year extreme current speeds
Example of the 33-year extreme current speeds estimated for different depths below the surface at 3 different cross-slope positions (isobaths) in 5 different regions: Scotian Slope (SS), Laurentian Fan (LF), Flemish Pass (FP), Orphan Basin (OB) and Labrador Slope (LS).

For further information, contact Dr. John Loder and Dr. Zhigang Xu.