The Upper Ocean Circulation at Great Meteor Seamount. Part I: Structure of Density and Flow Fields

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Observations of the hydrography and currents at the Great Meteor Seamount are combined with a numerical model to investigate the three-dimensional structure of the flow regime at this seamount. Signatures of periodic and mean flow are separated and interpreted. Tidal forcing is the dominant process in this area, leading to internal wave generation, trapped waves, flow rectification, and a system of closed circulation cells (horizontal and vertical). Steep slopes and a flat summit plain lead to a previously unreported mixed layer thickness anomaly along the edge of the seamount. Observations alone are found insufficient to derive a complete picture of the circulation and water mass distribution. The model results will be used in Part II of this study to further investigate biologically relevant questions.