In this chapter the main features of the currents on the Argentine continental shelf are described. Due to the scarcity of direct current observations, adequate to resolve the mean flow, the circulation of the continental shelf is studied based on property distributions and models. These analyses indicate that the mean flowover the continental shelf varies between 1 and 2 Sverdrups (1Sverdrup = 1x106 m3 s-1)towards the NNE. A synthesis of results of studies of higher frequency motions is also presented. The most relevant results derived from long term direct current observations on the continental shelf near 43°S are discussed. The mean current velocities in the inner and mid-shelf regions vary between 0,05 and 0,10 m/s towards the NNE, in agreement with...
The current knowledge on the argentine continental shelf water masses is summarized in this paper. These water masses are characterized as a function of water types fed by the boundary currents and the modifications due to continental runoff, and water energy exchange with the atmosphere. Based on sea surface salinity distributions and the temperature-salinity characteristics, three masses are described: coastal waters, mid-shelf waters and slope waters. The main freshwater sources found along the coast are identified, as well as high salinity formation areas. The vertical stratification, mainly controlled by temperature, is analyzed along the annual cycle. The stratification cycle is mainly driven by the heat exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean....
