Modelling the dynamics of the Tanzanian coastal waters
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute
Abstract
A numerical modeling study was carried out using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) for the
Tanzanian coast to investigate the seasonal dynamics of water circulation, temperature and salinity. The
model results indicated the presence of an eddy on the surface that had been developed during the
Northeast (NE) monsoon and which has not been documented previously. The study also revealed that,
the core of the East African Coastal Current (EACC) passes adjacent to the coast, just off the three major
islands of Pemba, Zanzibar, and Mafia. There are localized patches of strong currents parallel and
adjacent to the mainland coast, with magnitudes that are influenced by the coastline configuration,
bottom topography and the extent of exposure to the main stream of the EACC. The current speeds
along the coast of Tanzania are lowest in February and March, and highest in July, August, and
November but generally not exceeding 1 ms-1. Surface salinities generally vary between 34.8 and 35.5,
whereas surface temperatures range from a minimum of 25.0°C to a maximum of 30.2°C. The modelled
salinity and temperature profiles are similar to those observed from field observations of previous
investigations
Description
http://www.academicjournals.org/app/webroot/article/article1389104882_Mahongo%20and%20Shaghude.pdf
Keywords
ROMS model, Seasonal variations, Water circulation, Salinity, Water temperature, Tanzanian coast
Citation
Mahongo, S.B. and Shaghude, Y.W., 2014. Modelling the dynamics of the Tanzanian coastal waters. Journal of Oceanography, 5(1), pp.1-7.