Tidal fronts on the shelf seas around the British Isles

Abstract

A numerical model is used to derive the Simpson‐Hunter stratification parameter on the shelf seas surrounding the British Isles. Positions of predicted fronts are compared with structures observed in infrared satellite images and the measurements of sea surface temperature recorded on a cruise around the British Isles. The numerical model predicts the stability of the frontal systems, and baroclinic instability is suggested as the main candidate for cross‐frontal mixing.