The study looked at satellite images of the ocean near the Mid-Atlantic coast and found that shelf water sometimes flows over the deeper Slope Sea. This shelf water moves southward and joins the Gulf Stream near Chesapeake Bay. The researchers discovered that this overrunning of shelf water is not just on the surface but goes down to depths of 40-60 meters. Winter storms can push this shelf water offshore, affecting the Gulf Stream's path near Cape Hatteras. The study also linked the overflow of shelf water off New Jersey to the blocking effect caused by the Gulf Stream's flow. Additionally, excess freshwater from the St. Lawrence River was found to contribute to the overflow of shelf water off New Jersey.