The dynamics and physical processes of the Comoros Basin

• Main Author: Collins, Charine
• Other Authors: Reason, Chris, Hermes, Juliet C
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2013
• Subjects: Oceanography; North Atlantic Deep Water; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/6467; https://open.uct.ac.za/bitstream/11427/6467/1/thesis_sci_2013_166023_collins_charine.pdf

Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references. The main objective of this thesis was to investigate the circulation in the ComorosBasin using observed and model datasets. These data were used to establish whether or not a Comoros Gyre exists and to investigate the nature of the eddy variability in the basin.The water masses in the Comoros Basin emulate those found further south in the Mozambique Channel. The presence of AAIW north of Madagascar confirmed that this water mass enters the Comoros Basin from the east while the presence of North Atlantic Deep Water showed that this water mass is capable of spreading northward over the Davie Ridge. The main currents in the Comoros Basin, the westward flowing NEMC and a poleward current along the western boundary, are under the influence of the monsoon winds. The NEMC intensifies during the Southwest monsoon in response to a strong wind jet which develops off the northern tip of Madagascar, whereas the poleward current weakens due to the opposing force imposed by the southwesterlies. Additionally, the circulation in the basin consist of meso-scale eddies of both polarities. Anti-cyclonic eddies, with lifespans of