Title:
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Seasonal circulation over the Catalan inner-shelf (northwest Mediterranean Sea)
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Author:
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Grifoll Colls, Manel; Aretxabaleta, A.; Pelegrí Llopart, José Luis; Espino Infantes, Manuel; Wagner, John C; Sánchez-Arcilla Conejo, Agustín
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Other authors:
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Hidràulica, Marítima i Ambiental; Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. LIM/UPC - Laboratori d'Enginyeria Marítima |
Abstract:
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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. Key Points A hydrodynamic model is implemented for the first time in Catalan inner-shelf. Frictional and pressure gradient are revealed as the main forcing mechanisms A clear seasonal pattern is found in the current velocity. |
Abstract:
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Peer Reviewed |
Subject(s):
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-Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria civil::Enginyeria hidràulica, marítima i sanitària::Ports i costes -Ocean circulation -Mediterranean Sea -Catalan shelf -hydrodynamic modeling -momentum balance -seasonal variability -Circulació oceànica -- Mediterrània |
Rights:
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Document type:
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Article - Published version Article |
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