Austauschprozesse zwischen Nordsee und Nordatlantik

Abstract

Evidence is reviewed regarding the average rates of exchange, dominated by a total inflows & 1.7 x 106 m3s-1 by various routes to the northern North Sea. Possible contributory processes are reviewed. It is concluded that the topographic constraint at the shelf edge is relaxed by strong friction and large variability on short time-scales, both associated with strong tidal and wind-driven flows around Scotland. There are suggestions that the North Sea circulation is controlled by North Atlantic fields, forcing around Scotland and Atlantic — North Sea salinity differences: these warrant further investigation.