Observations on stages of upwelling in the region of Cabo Frio (Brazil) as conducted by continuous surface temperature and salinity measurements

Abstract

A brief outline is given of the results of surface temperature and salinity to the west and southwest of Cabo Frio obtained in August of 1971 with a continuous recording Thermo-Salinograph (Bissett-Berman, Model 6600T). A rapid change was observed in the field distribution of temperature from 21.5-21.9ºC to 15-21ºC, and similary change in the distribution of salinity from 34.1-35.0º/oo to 35.3-36.0º/oo, over a time scale of seven days. The changes were accredited to the process of upwelling at the coastal region under the influence of E and NE winds. The occurrence of a surface counter-current moving upwind was detected. This anomaly, not explained on the basis of the Ekman's classical theory, was qualitatively explained as the result of a horizontal divergence in the wind-stress field.