Summer and winter surveys of the Subtropical Front of the southeastern Indian Ocean 1997-1998
In: Journal of Marine Systems. Elsevier: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; Amsterdam. ISSN 0924-7963; e-ISSN 1879-1573, more
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| Keywords |
Environmental effects > Salinity effects
Environmental effects > Temperature effects
Fronts > Oceanic fronts
Gradients > Density gradients
Layers > Water column > Mixed layer
Seasons > Summer
Seasons > Winter
Surveys
Temporal variations > Periodic variations > Seasonal variations
ISW, South Indian Ocean [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Subtropical Front; summer; winter; density compensation; SeaSoar;Australia; 119-147 degrees E; 36-45 degrees S |
| Authors | | Top |
- James, C.
- Tomczak, M.
- Helmond, I.
- Pender, L.
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| Abstract |
The Subtropical Front (STF) in the region south of Australia was surveyed to determine its location, character, and seasonal variation. The survey consisted of two cruises, during summer and winter of 1998, and used a towed CTD system (SeaSoar). Based on observations, the STF does not appear to be continuous between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the region south of Tasmania during winter; instead, it appears to end at the continental shelf of western Bass Strait near 40°S. During both seasons, the STF is characterized by moderate to strong density compensation with the horizontal density ratio (Rro=alphaDeltaT/bètaDeltaS) close to 1 both in and below the mixed layer. This contrasts with observations in other regions where Rro tends towards 2 below the mixed layer. We observed a high degree of interleaving, submerged eddies and small scale temperature and salinity variability. This is attributed to the interaction of a front that is density compensated with a local wind field that periodically reverses direction. |
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