Publication Abstract

Observations of seasonal jet-like circulation at the central North Sea cool pool margin

J. Brown, A.E. Hill, L. Fernand and K.J. Horsburgh

In June/July 1996, a survey of the offshore region between the north-east coast of England and the Dogger Bank was undertaken using towed and conventional profiling CTD's and satellite tracked drifters. Strong bottom fronts bounded a pool of cold, dense bottom water isolated below the seasonal thermocline. These features extend continuously for - 500 km along the 40 m contour, from the Firth of Forth to the eastern end of the Dogger Bank. Geostrophic current estimates and drifter trajectories demonstrate the existence of persistent and narrow (10-15 km) cores of cyclonic near-surface flow (cold bottom water to the left) with velocities in excess of 0.1 m s ^-1. The results are consistent with a seasonal baroclinic flow skirting the north east coast of England which provides a direct pathway for material and fish larvae from coastal regions to the northern Dogger Bank and central North Sea.

Reference:

J. Brown, A.E. Hill, L. Fernand and K.J. Horsburgh, 1999. Observations of seasonal jet-like circulation at the central North Sea cool pool margin. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 48(3): 343-355.