The hydrography of the Rockall Channel—an overview

Abstract

Synopsis The water masses, major circulation features and long-term variability of Rockall Channel waters are reviewed in relation to work in recent years. Data collected with modern instruments disclose more detail in the water mass structure than found previously, and the range of water masses present in the Channel is examined. The use of recording current meter moorings has amplified our knowledge of the processes occurring within the Rockall Channel circulation, although net flows remain difficult to evaluate. Eddy motions suggested by current meter records and geostrophic data are confirmed by the trajectories of satellitetracked drogues. Changes in the temperature and salinity of the upper waters of the Rockall Channel from the early years of this century to the present are clearly detectable, and a brief account is given of these.