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Abstract A high‐resolution ocean model is used to characterize the circulation and cross‐shelf exchanges in the Brazilian/Uruguayan portion of the southwestern Atlantic shelf. Cross‐shelf exchanges are strongly modulated by the bottom topography. There is ∼1.2 Sv of on‐shelf transport between 21°S and 25.2°S, and ∼1.6 Sv of off‐shelf transport between 35°S and 25.2°S. North of 25.2°S, the cross‐shelf exchanges show a two‐layer structure with an off‐shelf flow in the upper 50m and on‐shelf flow deep below. A Lagrangian diagnostic shows that ∼0.15 Sv of deep waters from the Brazil Current (z > 200 m) are injected into the shelf. Mixing with ambient waters produces a spicier (warmer and saltier) water mass, which is ejected into the open ocean in the southern region. Backward in‐time particle's trajectories analysis reveals that 95% of the southward shelf transport at 32°S originates in the open ocean at 22°S. Our model diagnostics show that there is a very limited connectivity between the shelf regions north and south of Cabo Frio. Correlation analysis shows no significant influence of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Southern Annular Mode (SAM) on the time variability of the cross‐shelf transport. Cross‐shelf transports, however, are significantly correlated with the local wind stress variability.
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Circulation and Cross‐Shelf Exchanges in the Agulhas Bank Region
Abstract This modeling study analyzes the circulation over the Agulhas Bank (AB). It is suggested that the time mean circulation over the bank is primarily driven by the inflow of shelf waters from the northeastern region, and not by local forcing as previously postulated. Seasonal variations of the circulation and temperature and salinity fields are highly correlated with the atmospheric forcing. Currents shift inshore during the winter, returning to its original position during summer. The equatorward flow in the western AB, which includes a deep, previously unreported, countercurrent, strengthens during spring and summer and wanes during fall and winter. Tracer diagnostics and Eulerian mass balances reveal very energetics mass exchanges between the eastern AB and the Agulhas Current (AC). The AB Bight is the preferential site for these exchanges. Lagrangian diagnostic show 0.45 Sv of deep open‐ocean waters entrained into the bottom layer of the shelf. Cross‐shelf exchanges produce significant water mass transformations. Tides play an unexpectedly significant role on the AB circulation. Preliminary considerations suggest that shelf/open‐ocean interactions could have a significant impact on water mass conversions within the AC.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2149093
- PAR ID:
- 10564745
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.1029
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
- Volume:
- 130
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2169-9275
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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