Title:

Surface currents derived from satellite-tracked buoys off Namibia

Author(s):
Publication Year:
1999
Abstract:

To study the flow field off Namibia (20-30°S, 10-15°E), 48 satellite-tracked buoys were deployed and tracked in six bimonthly batches between July 1994 to September 1995. In situ supporting wind information was collected from a weather buoy moored off Lüderitz, from coastal stations and from voluntary observing ships. Buoy drift tracks were compared with surface topography data from the TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite and satellite infrared images. Most of the buoys drifted in a northwesterly direction, the buoys deployed in the south generally moving faster and diverging more from the coast than the northern buoys. The overall maximum daily drift velocity was 72 cm s-1, but typical speeds were 10-30 cm s-1. In the proximity of the coast some buoys experienced transient southward sets associated with the effect of coastal trapped waves, while tracks north of 23°S showed inertial oscillations.

Publication Title:

Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography

Volume:
46
Issue:
1-2
Pages:
453-473
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en

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