Seasonal dynamics in the Azores-Gibraltar Strait region: a climatologically-based study

Article in Progress in Oceanography:

Seasonal dynamics in the Azores-Gibraltar Strait region: a climatologically-based study
L.I. Carracedo, M. Gilcoto, H. Mercier, F.F. Pérez

Highlights:
• We describe full circulation patterns in the Azores-Gibraltar Strait Region (North-Eastern Atlantic) by means of climatological data.
• We use an inverse box model for obtaining absolute transports consistent with volume, salt, heat conservation and thermal wind equations.
• We solve the main source water masses fractions by means of an extended Optimum Multiparameter Analysis.
• Circulation seasonality is described and main currents quantified.
• We estimate indirectly the entrainment of central waters that leads to an overturning circulation into the enclosed box.

Recent Papers

Two recently published papers from fellow APOCEAN members:

 – Effect of Internal Waves on near-surface chlorophyll concentration and primary production in the Nazaré Canyon (West of the Iberian Peninsula)

Highlights

•Nazaré Canyon off the western Iberian Peninsula.

•Enhanced chlorophyll patchiness detected in satellite ocean colour images is spatially correlated with internal tides.

•Internal tidal waves represent an important mechanism that may enhance primary production.

•Internal waves may have a relevant regional ecological impact.

– A census of Meddies in a long-term high-resolution simulation

Highlights

•40 (12) Meddies/yr, 30% (12%) cyclones, living a minimum of 15 (90) days.

•30% of Meddies originate far from the slope in convergence points of main pathways.

•Asymmetric distribution of anticyclones/cyclones with respect to Cape St. Vincent.

•Long-lived Meddies propagate NW; cyclones more easily tracked at 600 m.

•Meddies’ radius increases and thickness contracts as they move away from slope.

FishPi: an autonomous ocean explorer

Will this mean the end of “manned” scientific cruises?

“We are developing a Marine Unmanned Surface Vessel, which will ultimately be able to cross the Atlantic unaided, and take scientific measurements while doing so. Ultimately we’d like to be able to provide FishPis to anyone who wants one. We aim to produce kit FishPis ranging from vessels able to run from batteries for a few hours, to full featured long mission solar vessels capable of months at sea.” – FishPi

– full article: here

– about FishPi: here