Analysis of Current Meter Data Collected at Chesapeake Bay Entrance from 1981 to 1983

The National Ocean Service (NOS) conducted a 3-phase, 2 1/2-year project from August 1981 through December 1983, to obtain physical oceanographic and meteorological data for the Chesapeake Bay. Harmonic analyses of 87-day, 58-day, 29-day, and 15-day records were performed on current data from long-term station 40, Chesapeake Bay Entrance. This long-term station was important for the analysis of low frequency currents, and for the computation of accurate tidal current predictions. Station 40 is planned to be published as a predicted reference station in the NOS "Tidal Current Tables 1985 - Atlantic Coast of North America." Circulation data from the Chesapeake Bay Circulation Project will be provided to aid safe navigation and environmental management. Moreover, these data will aid in interpreting the hydrodynamics of the Bay. Interpretations of data analyses with respect to comparisons of tidal current characteristics are discussed.