A Buoy and Ship Examination of the Subtropical Convergence South of Western Australia

Abstract

The eddying behavior of a satellite-tracked buoy near the subtropical convergence zone south of Australia prompted a ship survey of the area. The buoy's behavior over several months suggested a quasi-stable current pattern with some evidence for an overall movement to the southwest. The pattern was found to be linked to deep structure which apparently drove the surface waters. The temperatures measured by this buoy and another released during the experiment indicate they spent some time traveling parallel to and near the convergence. The buoys showed a preference for subtropical waters but occasionally crossed the convergence into subantarctic waters.