Effects of wind forcing on surface currents and mesoscale eddies

Data from High Frequency Radar systems were used to define surface current and eddy variability at frequencies ranging from hours to seasonal, and inspect the correlation thereof to wind in the coastal region of southwestern Western Australia. High correlations were found in shallow regions of the continental shelf (under 50m) at high frequencies (within 3h), and seasonal variability was determined in eddy activity along the shelf. Initiation and spin-up of mesoscale eddies occurred in the south of the study region in the summer, and in the north throughout the winter and autumn, relating to seasonal wind and affecting seasonal current patterns.