Seasonal mean circulation on the Irish shelf—a model-generated climatology

Subtidal circulation over the shelf sea west of Ireland is computed diagnostically. The 3D circulation is driven by observed/analyzed density fields and standard mean seasonal wind fields; subject to spatially-variable vertical mixing fields from a detailed tidal model; and resolved on a bimonthly scale. The calculation extends from the Armorican Shelf to the Hebrides, in order to include large-scale effects. Three bimonthly “seasons” are presented: late winter (March–April) when commercially important marine fish are spawning; spring (May–June) when anadromous fish are in transit along the shelf northward; and summer (July–August) when harmful algae are observed in the region.