Generation and evolution of natal pulses: Solitary meanders in the Agulhas Current

From: Journal of Physical Oceanography | Date: December 1, 1999| Author: | Copyright information

ABSTRACT

Solitary meanders of the Agulhas Current, so-called Natal pulses, may play an important role in the overall dynamics of this current system. Several hypotheses concerning the triggering of these pulses are tested using sea surface height and temperature data from satellites. The data show the formation of pulses in the Natal Bight area at irregular intervals ranging from 50 to 240 days. Moving downstream at speeds between 10 and 20 km day- ' they sometimes reach sizes of up to 300 km. They seem to play a role in the shedding of Agulhas rings that penetrate the South Atlantic. The ...

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