Synoptic summer wind cycles and upwelling off the southern portion of the Cape Peninsula

Abstract

Wind data and aerial surveys of sea surface temperature (SST) have been used to describe spatial variation in the upwelling regime off the southern portion of the Cape Peninsula (34°S, 18°E). Time series of weather data revealed a cycle controlled by synoptic weather events. Spatial and temporal variabilities in the wind fields, weather and SST are discussed on the basis of the results of case studies made in summer. Low-level equatorward winds were found to accelerate over the southern portion of the Cape Peninsula, accompanying the eastward ridging of the South Atlantic Anticyclone. Vertical profiles of wind and time series of meteorological data from land stations close to the sea are combined to describe the dynamics and mechanisms governing the mesoscale patterns of wind and upwelling phenomena around Olifantsbos, a locality on the south-west of the Cape Peninsula. The observations may be compared with similar ones made off Point Conception in California. The results highlight the dominant influence of synoptic weather cycles at exposed coastal sites. © 1985 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.