Steinberg, 2007: 

"The classical view of Coral Sea circulation is derived from ship based hydrographic observations ^52,19,2 and early, low resolution numerical modelling³³. This view has the broad SEC entering the Coral Sea from the east and bifurcating at the GBR into a northern arm, the North Queensland Current or Hiri Current and the poleward flowing East Australian Current (EAC). The location of the bifurcation varies seasonally between 14° S and 20° S and lies at the southern end of this range during the southeast trade wind season (April to November). Underlying the EAC is a permanent undercurrent that flows northwards and eventually joins up with the Hiri Current^20,19,33,8."

"Over the last two decades technological advances in computing, satellite and acoustic remote sensing and ship positioning has revealed significant complexity and detail in ocean circulation. Webb⁶⁰ used a numerical model to suggest that the broad westward SEC inflow is broken up into a number of zonal jets by shallow bathymetry associated with island archipelagos. The reef systems effectively impede the flow and force the waters around them. Figure 3.8 is a schematic showing that jets form north and south of Fiji ⁵⁶, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. More recently, Ridgway and Dunn⁴⁹ have been able to discern these features in climatological data with recent increased resolution and after allowing for bathymetric control. Once in the Coral Sea, currents deviate around the reef systems on the Bellona (west of New Caledonia), Queensland and Marion Plateaus. This topography produces multiple pathways for the SEC to reach the GBR. Once the jets encounter the Australian continental shelf they form the EAC and Hiri currents flowing along the western boundaries. Kessler and Gourdeau³⁸ found evidence that jets can also be caused by quasi-permanent structures in the wind field, independent of the island and reef systems."

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Citation and/or URL

Steinberg, C., 2007. Chapter 3: 'Impacts of climate change on the physical oceanography of the Great Barrier Reef'. In Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef: A Vulnerability Assessment, eds. Johnson, J.E. and Marshall, P.A., Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Greenhouse Office, p. 51-74 

Spatial Coverage

GBR-wide

Temporal Coverage

Not applicable

Update Frequency

Not applicable 

Other Information

None