Volume budget of the eastern boundary layer off the Iberian Peninsula

摘要: Data from a hydrographic array carried out in May 1989 offshore of the Iberian Peninsula are used to determine vertical distribution zonal transports near ocean eastern boundary (the so-called kinematic condition). Eastward Central Water, Bottom Water and, more surprisingly, Mediterranean found, complemented by westward flows at deep-intermediate and deep levels. The top-to-bottom integrated estimate is 2 × 106 m3 s−1 (±1.2 s−1) eastward across studied 5° long meridional segment 12°30′W. 300 km wide layer northward all levels, their integral amounts six times one. finding net poleward flow discussed with regard notion southward Portugal Current. Seasonality processes proposed as clue apparent contradiction also suggested influence phenomenon ventilation sometimes invoked in, or inferred from, theoretical studies. The pronounced bathymetric features region have strong effects on details circulation. At intermediate three advective paths carry away west region: slope undercurrent off Cape Finisterre two branches opposing directions Galicia Gorringe Banks. meridionally averaged transport this water mass being eastward, it argued that direct entry into interior can occur, latitudes, only through meddy propagation. Hydrographic estimates eddy salinity 12°30′W indeed westward. A scaling analysis advection-diffusion equation level proposed, which includes these elements.