| one publication added to basket [59564] | About the seasonal variability of the Alboran Sea circulation
Vargas-Yánez, M.; Plaza, F.; Garcia-Lafuente, J.; Sarhan, T.; Vargas, J.M.; Vélez-Belchí, P. (2002). About the seasonal variability of the Alboran Sea circulation. J. Mar. Syst. 35(3-4): 229-248. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0924-7963(02)00128-8
In: Journal of Marine Systems. Elsevier: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; Amsterdam. ISSN 0924-7963; e-ISSN 1879-1573, more
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| Keywords |
Data > Hydrographic data > CTD observations
Jet stream
Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation > Ocean circulation
Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation > Ocean circulation > Thermohaline circulation
Properties > Water properties > Temperature > Water temperature > Surface temperature
Temporal variations > Periodic variations > Seasonal variations
MED, Alboran Sea [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Alboran Sea; seasonal variability; Gibraltar strait |
| Authors | | Top |
- Vargas-Yánez, M.
- Plaza, F.
- Garcia-Lafuente, J.
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- Sarhan, T.
- Vargas, J.M.
- Vélez-Belchí, P.
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| Abstract |
Data from a mooring line deployed midway between the Alboran Island and Cape Tres Forcas are used to study the time variability of the Alboran Sea from May 1997 to May 1998. The upper layer salinity and zonal velocity present annual and semiannual cycles characterised by a minimum in spring and autumn and a maximum in summer and winter. Temperature has the opposite behaviour to that of salinity indicating changes in the presence of the Atlantic water within the Alboran Passage. A large set of SST images is used to study these cycles. The decrease of salinity and velocity in our mooring location in spring and autumn seems to be related to the eastward drifting of the Western Alboran Gyre (WAG). The increase of salinity and velocity is caused by the Atlantic current flowing south of the Alboran Island and its associated thermohaline front. Conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) data from two cruises along the 3°W are coherent with current meters and SST interpretations. During the period analysed, summer months are characterised by the stability of the two-gyre system, while in winter, the circulation is characterised by a coastal jet flowing close to the African shore. We use sea level differences across the Strait of Gibraltar for studying the variability of the Atlantic inflow. We discuss the changes in the Alboran Sea circulation and its relation with the variability of the inertial radius of the Atlantic inflow. Though our results are speculative, we find a possible relation between the disappearance of the two-gyre system and a reversal of the circulation in Gibraltar. Longer time series are needed to conclude, but comparison with previous works makes us think that the seasonal cycle described from May 1997 to May 1998 could be the most likely one for the Alboran Sea upper layer. |
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