Circulation phenomena and frontal dynamics of the Norwegian coastal current

Abstract

After a short general description of the Norwegian Coastal Current, some recent investigations concerning its variability are reviewed. The variability caused by meteorological effects and fresh water fluxes is shown to be the dominant feature. The coastal current not only responds to local wind-forcing but is also a signal channel of sea-level variations in the North Sea as a whole. The variability at times manifests itself as mesoscale waves and eddies. The subsurface frontal region is characterized by interleaving of coastal and Atlantic water, and strong mixing. Lateral and longitudinal frontal motions are dealt with in relation to plumes of brackish water from the fjords and outbreaks of brackish and/or warm water masses from the Skagerrak. The inflow of Atlantic water through the Norwegian Trench, and the formation of deep and bottom water in Skagerrak are discussed.