Seasonal and spatial variation of surface current in the Pemba Channel, Tanzania
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Date
2019-01-07
Authors
Semba, Masumbuko
Lumpkin, Rick
Kimirei, Ismael
Shaghude, Yohanna
Nyandwi, Ntahondi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS ONE
Abstract
The surface current speeds within the Pemba channel were examined using 24 years of drifter data received from the Global Drifter Program. This study aimed to uncover varying surface current in the Pemba Channel in different seasons. The results revealed the Pemba Channel experiences relatively higher median surface current speeds during the southeast (SE) monsoon season compared to the northeast (NE) and inter-monsoon (IN) periods. The strongest current speeds were confined in waters deeper than 200 meters between ~39.4°E and 39.7°E. These results prove that surface currents from the drifters can be used to uncover the patterns of surface circulation even in areas where in-situ measurements are scarce.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES