ABSTRACT

A quasi-geostrophic point vortex numerical model is developed and used to explore interactions of eddies and seamounts. The objective of this study is to assess the role of Meddy-seamount interaction as an input to Mediterranean salt tongue maintenance. The results suggest Meddies survive seamount collisions with 60-70% of their initial cores remaining intact as coherent vortices. Given Meddy formation rates, it appears Meddies are comparable over all to mean advection in Mediterranean salt tongue maintenance. They are of considerable local importance near the Horseshoe seamounts, but less significant near the Azores plateau. This is consistent with maps of salt tongue concentration.




Salt Anomaly in North Atlantic