Fronts and shelf-circulation models

Abstract

Satellite imagery shows that fronts and frontal eddies are widespread on the northwest European continental shelf. The implications for the numerical modelling of transports (for example, of pollutants) are discussed. A brief review of some models of shelf circulation is given. It is argued that to include fronts in models of shelf circulation requires a better understanding of dynamics on the frontal scale. A three-dimensional numerical model of eddy formation in a coastal front is then presented that reproduces many of the observed features.