Seasonal and interannual variability of the surface circulation in the eastern Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberia)

Abstract

An 11‐year (1996–2007) time series of current meter observations representative of the open sea circulation; a 4‐year (2001–2005) time series of current meter records over the continental shelf and in situ data during different seasons have been compared in order to study the seasonal and interannual variability of the surface circulation in the eastern Gulf of Cadiz. The open sea velocity observations indicate southeastward flow along the northern continental slope of the Gulf of Cadiz, compatible with anticyclonic circulation, during most of the year and more intense during summer months. Flow reversals (northwestward circulation) at seasonal time scales in late autumn and early winter (preferably December and January) are a rather recurrent feature with variable intensity depending on the year. Anticyclonic circulation is associated with westerlies, whereas flow reversals usually take place under easterly episodes, suggesting wind‐driven circulation. Negative North Atlantic Oscillation indices (indicative of southward displacement of the Azores high) are also linked to the reversals. Changes in this mainly wind‐driven large‐scale surface circulation are echoed by the shelf circulation: the coastal countercurrent that closes the mesoscale cyclonic cell over the eastern shelf in spring‐summer (upwelling season) is replaced by and eastward current in autumn and winter.