Variability of the mediterranean undercurrent in the Gulf of Cadiz

Abstract

Measurements of currents, temperatures and salinities were made in March 1970 and 1971 on the north side of the Gulf of Cadiz in the Mediterranean undercurrent. Observations were concentrated in two areas. In the first the undercurrent is free from the sea bed and flows as a free jet although in contact with the continental slope on its northerly side, whilst in the second it is in direct contact with the sea bed and influenced by the topography of a submarine valley. These measurements demonstrate the mesoscale variability of the undercurrent, and the interruption of the flow in the first area by the arrival of denser near-bottom water and an eddy-like motion in the overlying water.