Observations of the flow in the Mozambique Channel

Ruijter, W. P. M. de; Ridderinkhof, H.; Lütjeharms, J. R. E.; Schouten, Mathijs W.; Veth, C.

doi:10.1029/2001gl013714

Cited by 226 publications

(189 citation statements)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

172

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Indeed, mesoscale dynamics of the MC have been well described by previous works using remote sensing data, modeling, and in situ observations (15)(16)(17). Mesoscale activity is dominant in 2 areas, the central part of the MC and south of Madagascar (17,18).…”

mentioning

confidence: 79%

Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures

Kai

Rossi

Sudre

et al. 2009

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

236

157

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Meso-and submesoscales (fronts, eddies, filaments) in surface ocean flow have a crucial influence on marine ecosystems. Their dynamics partly control the foraging behavior and the displacement of marine top predators (tuna, birds, turtles, and cetaceans). In this work we focus on the role of submesoscale structures in the Mozambique Channel in the distribution of a marine predator, the Great Frigatebird. Using a newly developed dynamic concept, the finite-size Lyapunov exponent (FSLE), we identified Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) present in the surface flow in the channel over a 2-month observation period (August and September 2003). By comparing seabird satellite positions with LCS locations, we demonstrate that frigatebirds track precisely these structures in the Mozambique Channel, providing the first evidence that a top predator is able to track these FSLE ridges to locate food patches. After comparing bird positions during long and short trips and different parts of these trips, we propose several hypotheses to understand how frigatebirds can follow these LCSs. The birds might use visual and/or olfactory cues and/or atmospheric current changes over the structures to move along these biologic corridors. The birds being often associated with tuna schools around foraging areas, a thorough comprehension of their foraging behavior and movement during the breeding season is crucial not only to seabird ecology but also to an appropriate ecosystemic approach to fisheries in the channel.frigatebird ͉ finite-size Lyapunov exponent ͉ Mozambique Channel ͉ submesoscale

show abstract

mentioning

confidence: 79%

Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures

Kai

Rossi

Sudre

et al. 2009

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

236

157

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Here, we present evidence from acoustic surveys and satellite data showing that the distribution of micronekton aggregations in the Mozambique Channel (southwestern Indian Ocean) is affected by mesoscale eddies. The circulation in the Mozambique Channel is indeed ruled by an important mesoscale activity: large cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies propagate southwards along the western edge of the channel (de Ruijter et al 2002, Schouten et al 2003, Quartly & Srokosz 2004. The spatial overlap between the foraging areas of great frigatebirds and eddies in the Mozambique Channel have already been suggested to be related to high prey availability (Weimerskirch et al 2004), but a link between the prey of pelagic top predators and mesoscale eddies has not been demonstrated previously.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Mesoscale eddies influence distribution and aggregation patterns of micronekton in the Mozambique Channel

Sabarros¹,

Ménard²,

Levenez³

et al. 2009

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Oceanic mesoscale circulation is a crucial structuring force in the marine environment. Dynamic processes associated with eddies, such as eddy-induced upwelling or eddy-eddy interaction, drive the transport and distribution of nutrients that support the whole food chain, presumably through bottom-up processes. Eddies can shape the distribution of organisms at both low (phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish larvae) and high trophic levels (top fish predators, seabirds or turtles), but the impact of mesoscale features on intermediate trophic levels (micronekton) remains poorly understood. We analysed the influence of eddies on the distribution of micronekton aggregations in the Mozambique Channel by combining data from acoustic surveys and satellite sea topography. We demonstrated that large aggregations of micronekton occurred mainly in areas where the local horizontal gradient of sea level anomalies is strong, i.e. at the periphery of eddies. We observed that, in this region, eddies running along the coast advect coastal nutrient-rich waters at their edges, which support the base of the food chain. We propose that eddies can shape the distribution and the aggregation patterns of the prey of marine top predators through bottom-up processes.

show abstract

“…9, 10c, and 11c), including a band of high SLA variability along the paths of the Mozambique Current (de Ruijter et al, 2002), the East Madagascar Current, and the Agulhas retroflection. To the north-west of the RMS SLA maxima in the Agulhas region, the model shows a region of high variability, denoting the path of Agulhas rings (e.g.…”

Section: Sla Comparisonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model

et al. 2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. Analysis of the variability of the last 18 yr (1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012) of a 32 yr run of a new near-global, eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model coupled with biogeochemistry is presented. Comparisons between modelled and observed mean sea level (MSL), mixed layer depth (MLD), sea level anomaly (SLA), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll a indicate that the model variability is realistic. We find some systematic errors in the modelled MLD, with the model generally deeper than observations, which results in errors in the chlorophyll a, owing to the strong biophysical coupling. We evaluate several other metrics in the model, including the zonally averaged seasonal cycle of SST, meridional overturning, volume transports through key straits and passages, zonally averaged temperature and salinity, and El Niño-related SST indices. We find that the modelled seasonal cycle in SST is 0.5-1.5 • C weaker than observed; volume transports of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the East Australian Current, and Indonesian Throughflow are in good agreement with observational estimates; and the correlation between the modelled and observed NINO SST indices exceeds 0.91. Most aspects of the model circulation are realistic. We conclude that the model output is suitable for broader analysis to better understand upper ocean dynamics and ocean variability at mid-and low latitudes. The new model is intended to underpin a future version of Australia's operational short-range ocean forecasting system.

show abstract

Observations of the flow in the Mozambique Channel

Cited by 226 publications

References 16 publications

Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures

Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures

Mesoscale eddies influence distribution and aggregation patterns of micronekton in the Mozambique Channel

Evaluation of a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About