Winter upper ocean circulation in the Western Iberian Basin - Fronts, Eddies and Poleward Flows: an overview

An overview of the winter circulation and upper ocean structure offshore of Western Iberia is presented. The focus is on winter slope currents, fronts and mesoscale eddies, as well as on the connection of these local features to the large scale circulation of the region. Satellite sea surface temperature; sea surface elevation data from altimetry; cross-shore and meridional hydrological surveys and current meter observations, mainly obtained during winter periods, are used to illustrate features of the winter upper ocean structure and of the generation and evolution of the Iberia Poleward Current. A schematic/hypothetical model of winter upper ocean circulation on the scale of the Western Iberian Basin is given which attempts to systematize and resolve certain ambiguities in the existing circulation schemes and in the concepts and terminology used to describe observed features in the area. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.