Seasonal circulation over the Catalan inner-shelf (northwest Mediterranean Sea)

Journal of Geophysical Research C: Oceans
By: , and 

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Abstract

This study characterizes the seasonal cycle of the Catalan inner-shelf circulation using observations and complementary numerical results. The relation between seasonal circulation and forcing mechanisms is explored through the depth-averaged momentum balance, for the period between May 2010 and April 2011, when velocity observations were partially available. The monthly-mean along-shelf flow is mainly controlled by the along-shelf pressure gradient and by surface and bottom stresses. During summer, fall, and winter, the along-shelf momentum balance is dominated by the barotropic pressure gradient and local winds. During spring, both wind stress and pressure gradient act in the same direction and are compensated by bottom stress. In the cross-shelf direction the dominant forces are in geostrophic balance, consistent with dynamic altimetry data.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Seasonal circulation over the Catalan inner-shelf (northwest Mediterranean Sea)
Series title Journal of Geophysical Research C: Oceans
DOI 10.1002/jgrc.20403
Volume 118
Issue 10
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Contributing office(s) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 14 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Geophysical Research C: Oceans
First page 5844
Last page 5857
Other Geospatial Catalan Sea;Mediterranean Sea
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