Generation mechanisms for mesoscale eddies in the Gulf of Lions: radar observation and modeling

摘要: Coastal mesoscale eddies were evidenced during a high-frequency radar campaign in the Gulf of Lions (GoL), northwestern Mediterranean Sea, from June 2005 to January 2007. These anticyclonic are characterized by repeated and intermittent occurrences as well variable lifetime. This paper aims at studying link between these new surface observations with similar structures suggested depth traditional acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements investigates eddy generation driving mechanisms means an academic numerical study. The influence wind forcing on GoL circulation is analyzed, using number idealized configurations order investigate interaction river discharge, buoyancy, bathymetric effects. shown be crucial for two different mechanisms: A strong northerly offshore (Mistral) generates vortex column due constraint geostrophic barotropic current, which can after relaxes; southerly onshore freshwater bulge Rhone detaches coast forms well-defined based buoyancy gradients. expected have important consequences terms dispersion or retention biogeochemical material local scales.