The Canary Basin contribution to the seasonal cycle of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation at 26°N

• Published in: Journal of geophysical research. Oceans 2015-11, Vol.120 (11), p.7237-7252
• Main Authors: Pérez-Hernández, M. D., McCarthy, G. D., Vélez-Belchí, P., Smeed, D. A., Fraile-Nuez, E., Hernández-Guerra, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AMOC; Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC); Boundary conditions; Canary Basin; Canary Current; Circulation; eastern boundary; EBC; Geophysics; North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre; Ocean circulation; Oceanography; Planetary waves; RAPID; Rossby waves; Seasonal variation; Seasons; Transport; Undercurrents; Upwelling
• ISSN: 2169-9275; 2169-9291
• DOI: 10.1002/2015JC010969

This study examines the seasonal cycle of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its eastern boundary contributions. The cycle has a magnitude of 6 Sv, as measured by the RAPID/MOCHA/WBTS project array at 26°N, which is driven largely by the eastern boundary. The eastern boundary variations are explored in the context of the regional circulation around the Canary Islands. There is a 3 month lag between maximum wind forcing and the largest eastern boundary transports, which is explained in terms of a model for Rossby wave generated at the eastern boundary. Two dynamic processes take place through the Lanzarote Passage (LP) in fall: the recirculation of the Canary Current and the northward flow of the Intermediate Poleward Undercurrent. In contrast, during the remaining seasons the transport through the LP is southward due to the Canary Upwelling Current. These processes are linked to the seasonal cycle of the AMOC. Key Points: The regional circulation of the Canary basin is compared with the seasonal cycle of the AMOC The transport of the LP is linked with the seasonal cycle of the AMOC and with its max in October Evidences of a fall recirculation of the Canary Current through the LP are found