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The <scp>C</scp> anary <scp>B</scp> asin contribution to the seasonal cycle of the <scp>A</scp> tlantic <scp>M</scp> eridional <scp>O</scp> verturning <scp>C</scp> irculation at 26° <scp>N</scp>

Authors :
Eugenio Fraile-Nuez
M. D. Pérez-Hernández
Pedro Vélez-Belchí
Gerard McCarthy
David A. Smeed
Alonso Hernández-Guerra
Source :
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. 120:7237-7252
Publication Year :
2015
Publisher :
American Geophysical Union (AGU), 2015.

Abstract

This study examines the seasonal cycle of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its eastern boundary contributions. The cycle has a magnitude of 6 Sv, as measured by the RAPID/MOCHA/WBTS project array at 26&#176;N, which is driven largely by the eastern boundary. The eastern boundary variations are explored in the context of the regional circulation around the Canary Islands. There is a 3 month lag between maximum wind forcing and the largest eastern boundary transports, which is explained in terms of a model for Rossby wave generated at the eastern boundary. Two dynamic processes take place through the Lanzarote Passage (LP) in fall: the recirculation of the Canary Current and the northward flow of the Intermediate Poleward Undercurrent. In contrast, during the remaining seasons the transport through the LP is southward due to the Canary Upwelling Current. These processes are linked to the seasonal cycle of the AMOC.

Details

ISSN :
21699291 and 21699275
Volume :
120
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........bd108e8c64e3aa0aeb1b87b00257ae5f