In Situ Observations of the Small‐Scale Dynamics at Camarinal Sill—Strait of Gibraltar
Abstract
The Strait of Gibraltar (SoG in the following) is the locus of complex atmospheric and oceanographic processes. Levantes and Ponientes gap winds combined with strong surface currents render navigation in the Strait quite difficult. The SoG is composed of an east-west channel of about 50 km long, 15 km wide, and 900 m of maximum depth (Figure 1), with a main sill west of Tarifa: Camarinal Sill (CS hereafter) with a minimum depth of 200 m (Figure 1). This complex topographic feature acts as a fence cross-strait. Under these rough environmental conditions, several field experiments were conducted to evaluate the dynamics of the exchange flow in the SoG, but they remain sparse and incomplete. Observing oceanic processes in the SoG is still quite challenging due to the rough environmental conditions (strong operational constraints linked to the maritime traffic, very strong tidal and sheared currents, myriad of fishing boats…). In spite of these difficulties, understanding the 3D exchange flow dynamics is crucial as it preconditions the large scale circulation
Domains
Ocean, AtmosphereOrigin | Publication funded by an institution |
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