A Reduced Gravity Numerical Model of Circulation in the Alboran Sea.
Abstract
Oceanographic observations have shown the existence of a large anticyclonic gyre in the western Alboran Sea. Satellite imagery demonstrate the persistence of the Alboran Gyre and suggests that the direction of inflow through the Strait of Gibraltar plays an important role in determining the size and location of the gyre. Satellite data also reveals more time varying, smaller scale circulation patterns in the eastern Alboran Sea. The reduced gravity model of Hurlburt and Thompson (1980, J. Phys. Oceanogr. 10: 1611-1651) has been adapted to the semi-enclosed basin of the Alboran Sea. The model domain is a rectangle 600 km east-west by 160 km north-south. The Strait of Gibraltar is modeled by a port in the western boundary and the eastern boundary is entirely open. When the model is forced by a northeastward inflow through the port in the western boundary, it evolves to a steady state which exhibits a meandering eastward current. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA123278
Entities
People
- Ruth H. Preller