Two decades of mesoscale phenomena on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar

Authors

  • Javier Delgado Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR)
  • Jesús García-Lafuente Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR)
  • Cristina Naranjo Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.03609.18E

Keywords:

satellite altimetry, mesoscale circulation patterns, seasonal variability, interannual variability, Strait of Gibraltar, Gulf of Cádiz, Alboran Sea

Abstract


Mesoscale circulation patterns in the adjacent basins of the Strait of Gibraltar were investigated by means of altimetry data. In the Gulf of Cádiz, the pattern is relatively stable with two gyres: a cyclonic gyre close to the southern Iberian coast and an anticyclonic one on the western side of the Strait of Gibraltar. Both structures are located in the right place to convey the surface circulation towards the Strait and feed the Atlantic inflow. In the Alboran Sea, our results confirm that the western anticyclonic gyre is the most stable feature observed, while the eastern cyclonic gyre is subject to great variability. The mesoscale structures fluctuate at seasonal and interannual frequencies, but they may also undergo great changes in a very short time scale. A simple correlation analysis suggests that changes in the upstream Gulf of Cádiz basin may be transmitted through the Strait of Gibraltar to the Alboran Sea with a time delay of around one week.

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Published

2012-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Delgado J, García-Lafuente J, Naranjo C. Two decades of mesoscale phenomena on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2012Sep.30 [cited 2024Mar.28];76(S1):95-102. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/1377

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