Shelf break upwelling driven by Brazil Current Cyclonic Meanders

Abstract

Analysis of hydrographic data and results of numerical modeling show the occurrence of upwelling associated with the cyclonic meanders of the Brazil Current, in the region known as the Southeast Brazil Bight or Santos Bight. The temperature and salinity distributions collected during summer and winter confirm the idea that meander‐induced shelf break upwelling plays an important role in the pumping of South Atlantic Central Water from the slope region onto the continental shelf.