Articles | Volume 15, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-15-1667-2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-15-1667-2019
Research article
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13 Dec 2019
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 13 Dec 2019

Generation of Rossby waves off the Cape Verde Peninsula: the role of the coastline

Jérôme Sirven, Juliette Mignot, and Michel Crépon

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Cited articles

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Short summary
In December 2002 and January 2003 satellite observations of chlorophyll showed a wavelike pattern with a wavelength of about 750 km south-west of the Cape Verde Peninsula. Such a pattern suggests the existence of a locally generated Rossby wave which slowly propagated westward. To verify this hypothesis a numerical study based on a simple model has been conducted. The numerical results are completed by an analytical study which evaluates the potential impact of the coastline shape.