# Revisiting linkages between large-scale and regional ocean processes: Slope Sea variability in the Northwest Atlantic and connections to recent observed trends

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (MA) · $593,385

## Abstract

The continental shelf and slope system in the Northwest Atlantic has experienced significant changes in recent years. The research work will be driven by the hypothesis that ocean processes within the Slope Sea are the key to understanding interannual to decadal hydrographic variability on the Northeast U.S. continental shelf and slope system. The plan is to synthesize in-situ observations and output from a global high-resolution ocean general circulation model to investigate potential dynamic and hydrographic Slope Sea states, including the Slope Gyre and the Northern Recirculation Gyre, and how they impact the hydrographic properties in the region. Multiple model cycles will allow the assessment of the region’s response to varying strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The data generated through the proposed work will be of wide use to the oceanographic research community. This project will support two early career researchers as well as undergraduate summer guest students. Results from this project will be incorporated in existing outreach efforts with the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation in RI and the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance.

The Slope Sea is an important link between regional and large-scale ocean processes, including the AMOC, and has experienced substantial changes in the recent decade. These changes can have important consequences for shelf/open-ocean water exchange and strongly affect shelf dynamics, ecosystems

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2523917
- **Awardee organization:** Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (MA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GFKFBWG2TV98
- **PI:** Svenja Ryan
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $593,385
- **Funds obligated:** $593,385
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2523917

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2523917, Revisiting linkages between large-scale and regional ocean processes: Slope Sea variability in the Northwest Atlantic and connections to recent observed trends. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2523917. Licensed CC0.

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