Moored current observations in the Mozambique Channel

Observations from an array of current meter moorings across the narrowest section of the Mozambique Channel are used to study the general characteristics of the current field and to estimate the volume transport through the channel. The observations cover a period of about 19 months in 2000 and 2001. Due to problems in data return, the mean transport time series is constructed using several assumptions. The resulting mean volume transport through the channel is estimated to be 14 Sv southward. The time variability of the volume transport is large and oscillates remarkably regular with minimum and maximum values varying roughly between 20 Sv northwards and 60 Sv southwards. No seasonal variability has been found. The spatial and temporal variability of the currents can be characterised by two different regimes: one with strong currents across the entire section, the other one with weak currents. The former lasts much longer than the latter. During the strong-current regime, an anti-cyclonic eddy is formed, which subsequently migrates southward. The formation of these eddies occurs regularly and is related to the strength of the volume transport through the channel. At intermediate and deep levels against the African continental slope (1500 and 2500 m), a relatively strong and northward flowing Mozambique Undercurrent is observed. The mean northward speed is 4.6 cm s−1 (1500 m) and 4.5 cm s−1 (2500 m).