Penven Pierrick, Lutjeharms J.R.E., Marchesiello P., Roy Claude, Weeks S.J. (2001). Generation of cyclonic eddies by the Agulhas current in the lee of the Agulhas bank. Geophysical Research Letters, 27 (6), p. 1055-1058. ISSN 0094-8276.
Titre du document
Generation of cyclonic eddies by the Agulhas current in the lee of the Agulhas bank
Année de publication
2001
Type de document
Article
Auteurs
Penven Pierrick, Lutjeharms J.R.E., Marchesiello P., Roy Claude, Weeks S.J.
Source
Geophysical Research Letters, 2001,
27 (6), p. 1055-1058 ISSN 0094-8276
Anti-cyclonic rings are shed from the Agulhas Current at its retroflection. They subsequently drift off into the South Atlantic. Smaller, cyclonic eddies have also been observed in this region. The origin of these latter eddies has remained unknown. We present model results that indicate that the configuration of the southern Agulhas Current and the poleward termination of the continental shelf of Africa allows shedding of cyclonic lee eddies by a flow detachment process. Hydrographic data, thermal infrared satellite images and altimetric observations are furnished that show that this model simulation is consistent with the characteristics and the behaviour of cyclonic eddies in the region. (Résumé d'auteur)
