Observations of the physical structure and seasonal jet-like circulation of the Celtic Sea and St. George's Channel of the Irish Sea

摘要: During July–September 1998 a comprehensive survey was undertaken of the Celtic Sea and St. George's Channel Irish in order to resolve three-dimensional density field circulation. Towed undulating CTD data revealed that isolated below seasonal thermocline dense (cold saline) pool flanked by strong near-bed gradients. The trajectories 23 satellite-tracked Argos drifters demonstrated existence cyclonic (anti-clockwise) circulation pattern. This accord with persistent narrow (ca. 20 km) cores flow (dense water left) as geostrophic current estimates moored acoustic Doppler profiler data, velocities >0.1 m s−1 exceeding 0.3 m s−1 Channel. The results are consistent baroclinic advects saline Atlantic through south west region Channel. Westward across is directed into along coast. southward flow, an artefact circulation, often appears infrared satellite imagery meander front. At extension secondary clockwise formed (diameter∼40 km) before joins westward flow. Fresher coastal origin, present northern late spring, advected summer advent thermal stratification associated fields reduces exchange between Seas. The understanding provided such datasets those described here provides necessary basis for environmental management knowledge pathways contaminants, dynamics nutrients movement larvae juvenile fish. It also template against which test prognostic capabilities emerging numerical models.