Upwelling and boundary circulation off Northwest Africa as depicted by infrared and visible satellite observations

Satellite derived surface temperatures (AVHRR data) and chlorophyll-like pigment concentrations (CZCS data) off Northwest Africa are presented and interpreted. Sea surface temperature (SST) and pigment concentrations are used as indicators for upwelling and eastern boundary circulation. The distribution patterns of satellite derived parameters offer new insights into the upwelling system of the Northwest African coast. Typical SST images have been selected for each season (most of the SST images shown here are from 1987). Analyses of daily winds show these are related to the near-shore temperature patterns. The images of pigment concentrations are selected from the period 1980-1985. The analyses of daily wind fields are consistent with the spatial and temporal variability of upwelling as observed in the SST images. Several mesoscale patterns which have not been described in the existing literature are noticed in the images.