Flow variability in the Gulf of Lions during the MATER HFF experiment (March–May 1997)

Flexas, María del Mar; Madron, Xavier Durrieu de; Garcı́a, Marc A.; Canals, Miquel; Arnau, Pedro

doi:10.1016/s0924-7963(02)00059-3

Cited by 128 publications

(113 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Meanders of about 30-40 km propagating at phase speeds of 5-15 km/day that grow as filaments and develop into isolated eddies have been reported (Flexas et al, 2002;Rubio et al, 2005). Similar southwestward-propagating frontal structures are observed in the present simulation.…”

Section: Frontal Structures and Coastal Trapped Wavessupporting

confidence: 89%

Analysis of the circulation and shelf-slope exchanges in the continental margin of the northwestern Mediterranean

et al. 2006

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Abstract. In this paper, we present the results from a high horizontal resolution numerical simulation of the northwestern Mediterranean using a z-level, non-hydrostatic, primitive equation ocean model (DieCAST). The high resolution allows an accurate representation of the submarine canyons that presides in the region. The model is one-way coupled to a large scale model of the Mediterranean Sea through open boundaries and uses the atmospheric forcing fields provided in terms of HIRLAM outputs by the Spanish National Institute of Meteorology. Results show that the model can successfully reproduce the complex general circulation characteristics of the area, including the modifications induced by canyons in their vicinity and other phenomena observed such as instabilities and coastal trapped waves. The sea surface temperature is similar to satellite observations except that simulated temperatures are slightly warmer near the coast than observations and colder near the open boundaries. An important topic of this work is the computation of the shelfslope exchanges, which are able to renew shelf waters in a few months.

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Section: Frontal Structures and Coastal Trapped Wavessupporting

confidence: 89%

Analysis of the circulation and shelf-slope exchanges in the continental margin of the northwestern Mediterranean

et al. 2006

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“…The Northern Current is associated to a permanent shelf-slope density front separating shelf and open-sea waters. Its position and meandering is suggested to significantly influence shelf-slope exchanges (Flexas et al, 2002) and organic carbon export (Van Wambeke et al, 2002). The Northern Current also controls the GoL primary production distribution, separating shelf waters directly influenced by the Rhône river from offshore waters with a clear seasonality in surface and deep chlorophyll a concentrations, as revealed by both in situ measurements (Lefevre et al, 1997) and satellite images (Bosc et al, 2004).…”

Section: Study Area and Oceanographic Settingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flux and composition of settling particles across the continental margin of the Gulf of Lion: the role of dense shelf water cascading

et al. 2010

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“…In spring, northern Catalan coastal waters experience strong spatial and temporal variability due to the large inputs of continental runoff, mainly from the Rhône River in the northern Gulf of Lions Tintoré 1991, Sabatés et al 2007). These relatively low-salinity waters, advected by the Northern Current along the shelf break, increase the mesoscale activity at the shelf-slope front, generating oscillations and eddies (Alvarez et al 1996, Flexas et al 2002. The continental shelf in the study area ( Fig.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

High spatial heterogeneity of two planktonic cnidarian species related to the variability of a shelf-slope front at short time scales

et al. 2016

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Summary:We investigated the variability in the mesoscale distribution of the siphonophore Muggiaea atlantica and the hydromedusa Aglaura hemistoma in relation to the rapid spatial oscillations of the shelf-slope front off the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean). Three extensive surveys were carried out in spring at ten-day intervals. High variability in the position of the front resulted from the advection of low-salinity waters originating in the Gulf of Lions, mainly from the Rhône River runoff. High spatial variability in the distribution of the two species was closely related to the shifting positions of the front. Both species occurred on its inshore side in much higher abundances than on its offshore side, where they were scarce or absent. The front acts as a barrier limiting offshore displacement of these two cnidarians. Statistical analyses showed that bottom depth and salinity, as independent variables, were indicators of the signature and position of the front, explaining most of the variance in the distribution and abundance of the two species.Keywords: Siphonophorae; Hydromedusae; Muggiaea atlantica; Aglaura hemistoma; mesoscale; NW Mediterranean. Alta heterogeneidad espacial de dos especies de cnidarios planctónicos en relación a la variabilidad a corta escala temporal de un frente plataforma-talud Resumen: La variabilidad en la distribución de meso-escala del sifonóforo Muggiaea atlantica y la hidromedusa Aglaura hemistoma se investigó en relación a las rápidas oscilaciones espaciales del frente plataforma-talud en la costa Catalana (Mediterráneo noroccidental). Durante la primavera, se realizaron tres campañas oceanográficas intensivas, distanciadas 10 días entre sí. La alta variabilidad en la posición del frente fue resultado de la advección de aguas de baja salinidad procedentes del Golfo de León, al norte del área de estudio, debido principalmente a los aportes del río Ródano. La alta variabilidad espacial observada en la distribución de las dos especies estuvo muy relacionada con la posición cambiante del frente. Ambas fueron mucho más abundantes en el lado costero que en el lado oceánico del frente, donde éstas fueron muy escasas o incluso ausentes. El frente actúa como una barrera limitando el desplazamiento hacia mar abierto de estos dos cnidarios. Los análisis estadísticos realizados mostraron que la profundidad y salinidad, como variables independientes, fueron indicadoras de la señal y la posición del frente, explicando la mayor parte de la varianza de la distribución y abundancia de ambas especies.Palabras clave: Siphonophorae; Hydromedusae; Muggiaea atlántica; Aglaura hemistoma; meso-escala; Mediterráneo noroccidental.Citation/Como citar este artículo: Guerrero E., Marrodán A., Sabatés A., Orejas C., Gili J.M. 2016. High spatial heterogeneity of two planktonic cnidarian species related to the variability of a shelf-slope front at short time scales. Sci. Mar. 80(4): 487-497. doi: http://dx

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Flow variability in the Gulf of Lions during the MATER HFF experiment (March–May 1997)

Cited by 128 publications

References 16 publications

Analysis of the circulation and shelf-slope exchanges in the continental margin of the northwestern Mediterranean

Analysis of the circulation and shelf-slope exchanges in the continental margin of the northwestern Mediterranean

Flux and composition of settling particles across the continental margin of the Gulf of Lion: the role of dense shelf water cascading

High spatial heterogeneity of two planktonic cnidarian species related to the variability of a shelf-slope front at short time scales

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