Circulation patterns in a channel reef-lagoon system, Ouano lagoon, New Caledonia

This paper reports on two three-months field experiments carried out in the Ouano lagoon, New Caledonia. This channel-type lagoon, exposed to meso-tides, south pacific swells and trade winds, has been monitored thanks to a network of currents profilers to understand the dynamics of the lagoon waters...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEstuarine, coastal and shelf science Vol. 196; pp. 315 - 330
Main Authors Sous, Damien, Chevalier, Cristele, Devenon, Jean-Luc, Blanchot, Jean, Pagano, Marc
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 05.09.2017
Elsevier
Subjects
Ocean, Atmosphere
Sciences of the Universe
waves
reef barrier
vertical shear
circulation patterns
lagoon
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Summary:This paper reports on two three-months field experiments carried out in the Ouano lagoon, New Caledonia. This channel-type lagoon, exposed to meso-tides, south pacific swells and trade winds, has been monitored thanks to a network of currents profilers to understand the dynamics of the lagoon waters. Four typical circulation patterns have been identified, covering all together more than 90% of the survey period. These patterns are mainly driven by the waves and wind features. In particular, obliquely incident waves or strong winds blowing over a sufficient period are able to reverse the typical circulation pattern. The analysis of the vertical structure of the currents through passages shows the regular presence of a nearly linear vertical shear within the water column.
ISSN:0272-7714
1096-0015
DOI:10.1016/j.ecss.2017.07.015