A theoretical study of the Gulf Stream along the U.S. southern continental slope is proposed, focused on the dynamics of frontal instabilities and meanders. Earlier studies by the P.I. have demonstrated the importance of two simple aspect ratios of the stream, and perturbations in them, in determining these dynamics. In this study, perturbations will be generated by topographic irregularities (particularly an isolated bump), transport variations, and strong atmospheric forcing. Using these types of forcing, a variety of Gulf Stream characteristics will be investigated, including the possible existence of two distinct meander solutions, the relation of unstable waves on the stream to observed meanders and eddies, and shoreward intrusions by these meanders and eddies, and their possible relation to intense atmospheric forcing.
