The influence of large-scale circulation, transient and local processes on the seasonal circulation of the Eastern Brazilian Shelf, 13°S

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dc.contributor.authorAmorin, F.
dc.contributor.authorCirano, M.
dc.contributor.authorSoares, I.
dc.contributor.authorCampos, E.
dc.contributor.authorMiddleton, J.
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractThe circulation at the Eastern Brazilian Shelf (EBS), near 13°S, is discussed in terms of the currents and hydrography, associating large-scale circulation, transient and local processes to establish a regional picture of the EBS circulation. The results show that the circulation within the continental shelf and slope region is strongly affected by the seasonal changes in the wind field and meso/large-scale circulation. Transient processes associated to the passage of Cold Front systems or meso-scale activity and the presence of a local canyon add more complexity to the system. During the austral spring and summer seasons, the prevailing upwelling favorable winds blowing from E-NE were responsible for driving southwestward shelf currents. The interaction with the Western Boundary Current (the Brazil Current), especially during summer, was significant and a considerable vertical shear in the velocity field was observed at the outer shelf. The passage of a Cold Front system during the springtime caused a complete reversal of the mean flow and contributed to the deepening of the Mixed Layer Depth (MLD). In addition, the presence of Salvador Canyon, subject to an upwelling favorable boundary current, enhanced the upwelling system, when compared to the upwelling observed at the adjacent shelf. During the austral autumn and winter seasons the prevailing downwelling favorable winds blowing from the SE acted to total reverse the shelf circulation, resulting in a northeastward flow. The passage of a strong Cold Front, during the autumn season, contributed not only to the strengthening of the flow but also to the deepening of the MLD. The presence of the Salvador Canyon, when subject to a downwelling favorable boundary current, caused an intensification of the downwelling process. Interestingly, the alongshore velocity at the shelf region adjacent to the head of the canyon was less affected when compared to the upwelling situation. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityF.N. Amorim, M. Cirano, I.D. Soares, E.J.D. Campos and J.F. Middleton
dc.identifier.citationContinental Shelf Research, 2012; 32:47-61
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.csr.2011.10.011
dc.identifier.issn0278-4343
dc.identifier.issn1873-6955
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/72038
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherPergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd
dc.rights© 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2011.10.011
dc.titleThe influence of large-scale circulation, transient and local processes on the seasonal circulation of the Eastern Brazilian Shelf, 13°S
dc.title.alternativeThe influence of large-scale circulation, transient and local processes on the seasonal circulation of the Eastern Brazilian Shelf, 13 degrees S
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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