Equilibrium dynamics of the Benguela system : a numerical modelling approach

The Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) is used to systematically investigate equilibrium conditions and seasonal variations of the Benguela system, including both the large-scale flow regime as well as the coastal upswelling regime. A shelf-edge poleward flow exists in the northern Benguela region and is driven primarily by the wind-stress curl via the Sverdup relation. As such, it is strongly seasonal and is most intense during spring and summer when the wind-stress curl is most negative. The poleward flow deepens as it moves southward and between 25-27° much of it veers offshore due to the nature of of the wind-stress curl. In the mean state, the Benguela Current is characterized by two streams: the more inshore stream is topographically controlled and follows the run of the shelf-edge. The offshore stream is driven by nonlinear reactions of passing Aghulas rings and eddies and does not have a striking seasonal signal. The model simulates all seven of the major upswelling cells within its domain.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Oceanography

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Veitch, Jennifer Anne

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Shillington, Frank
• Penven, Pierrick

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12153

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/12153