Publication Date:
2022-06-23
Description:
The sea surface temperature distribution off the Banc d'Arguin (south of Cap Blanc) is discussed, based on three groups of radiometer records obtained during February of 1972. The general distribution reflects the Zone of intense upwelling closely following the shelf edge, the surface front which separates this zone from the offshore water, and the water mass formed on the Banc d'Arguin. It shows outflow from the bank at the surface, occurring at the southern end (around Cap Mirik), and surface inflow in the northern half. The data display a large amount of small scale variation (in the range from 2-5 km to larger wave lengths) which cannot be analysed due to the large spacing of parallel flight tracks. Short-time variations also contribute to the data uncertainty. The main results of the anaiysis are: 1. There occur large changes in the intensity and position of the fronts and in the width of the upwelling zone in response to changes in the external forces, mainly the wind. The water mass on the Banc d' Arguin is constantly moving back and forth, exerting pressure on the upwelling system and distorting the upwelling zone. 2. Within the upwelling region intense mixing occurs, especially within the zone of intensified upwelling along the shelf edge but eventually also across thermal fronts.
Type:
Article
,
PeerReviewed
Format:
text
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