The role of the Vitória-Trindade Ridge in the generation of sub and meso-scale dynamics

Abstract

The role of the Vitória-Trindade Ridge in the generation of the Brazil Current sub- and mesoscale activity is proposed to be investigated by both observations and high-resolution numerical modeling. It is known that Brazil Current meanders and forms eddies and vortical dipoles as it crosses the ridge. Smaller eddies (of order of 1 km) and filaments develop in the periphery of the mesoscale features. The study of these submesocale phenomenon are original in Brazil. The multidisciplinary study proposed here will be conducted with the intent of explaining how the Brazil Current eddies evolve and how the submesoscale structures affect the local planktonic biota. (AU)