The Mediterranean Overflow in the Gulf of Cadiz: A rugged journey.

ABSTRACT: The pathways and transformations of dense water overflows, which depend on small-scale interactions between flow dynamics and erosional-depositional processes, are a central piece in the ocean's large-scale circulation. A novel, high-resolution current and hydrographic data set highlights the intricate pathway travelled by the saline Mediterranean Overflow as it enters the Atlantic. Interaction with the topography constraints its spreading. Over the initial 200 km west of the Gibraltar gateway, distinct channels separate the initial gravity current into several plunging branches depth-sorted by density. Shallow branches follow the upper slope and eventually detach as buoyant plumes. Deeper branches occupy mid slope channels and coalesce upon reaching a diapiric ridge. A still deeper branch

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Leal RF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5687859 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature