In this chapter the main features of the currents on the Argentine continental shelf are described. Due to the scarcity of direct current observations, adequate to resolve the mean flow, the circulation of the continental shelf is studied based on property distributions and models. These analyses indicate that the mean flowover the continental shelf varies between 1 and 2 Sverdrups (1Sverdrup = 1x106 m3 s-1)towards the NNE. A synthesis of results of studies of higher frequency motions is also presented. The most relevant results derived from long term direct current observations on the continental shelf near 43°S are discussed. The mean current velocities in the inner and mid-shelf regions vary between 0,05 and 0,10 m/s towards the NNE, in agreement with the direction inferred from property distributions and models.

Bibliographic reference/Referencia bibliográfica: Piola, A.R.; Rivas, A.; 1997. Corrientes en la plataforma continental. En: Boschi, E.E.; ed. Antecedentes históricos de las exploraciones en el mar y las características ambientales. Mar del Plata: Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero INIDEP, (El Mar Argentino y sus Recursos Pesqueros; 1) p.119-132

corrientes oceánicas, circulación oceánica, oceanografía física, plataforma continental

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