Tidal and wind-driven currents in Bass Strait

Abstract

Preliminary measurements made in Bass Strait on the east Australian shelf indicate large tidal flows but small inertial oscillations. The response of the current to the wind is predominantly along the isobaths while the lower well-mixed layer, which is often separated during the heating season from the wind-mixed layer by a thermocline, appears to respond to the influence of the coast in such a manner as to produce downwelling or upwelling.

Bass Strait is a region of complex tidal response and existing co-tidal lines for the eastern area appear to require substantial modification.