@article{fdi:010044312,
  title = {{E}ddy activity and mixing in upwelling systems : a comparative study of {N}orthwest {A}frica and {C}alifornia regions},
  author = {{M}archesiello, {P}atrick and {E}strade, {P}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A} comparative modeling approach is used to study the mesoscale dynamics of coastal transition zones in the upwelling systems of {W}estern {S}ahara and central {C}alifornia. {I}t is shown that large differences in eddy activity and mixing exist between the two systems. {S}ince upwelling- favorable winds off {C}entral {C}alifornia and {W}estern {S}ahara have similar amplitudes, we suggest that observed and modeled differences in eddy activity are due to differences in configuration parameters. {I}t is argued that two of these parameters, stratification and topography, eventually affect the energy available for the mesoscales through baroclinic instability. {T}he large difference in stratification appears to be linked to the salinity structure formed by the large-scale circulation and is directly related to available potential energy. {T}he shape of the continental shelf affects the position, structure, and scale of the {E}kman divergence, hence upwelling intensity, and frontal formation. {T}he potential impact of mesoscale eddy mixing and its variability on upwelling ecosystems is discussed.},
  keywords = {},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{I}nternational {J}ournal of {E}arth {S}ciences},
  volume = {98},
  numero = {2},
  pages = {299--308},
  ISSN = {1437-3254},
  year = {2009},
  DOI = {10.1007/s00531-007-0235-6},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010044312},
}