Influence of the residual circulation on the physico-chemical characteristics of water masses and the dynamics of ecosystems in the Belgian coastal zone
Nihoul, J.C.J.; Hecq, J.H. (1984). Influence of the residual circulation on the physico-chemical characteristics of water masses and the dynamics of ecosystems in the Belgian coastal zone. Cont. Shelf Res. 3(2): 167-174
Classical models of the residual circulation in the North Sea predict a north-bound residual flow in the Southern Bight. A more refined model, taking into account the mesoscale Reynolds stress exerted in the mean on the residual flow by the non-linear interactions of mesoscale processes (tides, storm surges, etc.), shows on the contrary off the Belgian coast a south-bound coastal current in relation with a residual coastal gyre. Observations of the physico-chemical characteristics of coastal waters confirm the existence of the gyre. The dynamics of coastal ecosystems here are found to be determined by the gyre; successive stages of the pelagic rood chain displaying a typical spatial distribution along the deflected plume of the Scheldt estuary around the gyre 'outerlagoon'.
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