Circulation et dynamique de la matière en suspension au large de Kerkennah

Abstract

The water masses not circulation off Kerkennah island is not continuous. However, the nature of the modified Atlantic Water current is clear, especially east of an area which is characterized by a cyclonic recirculation. The instantaneous sedimentation flux is about 12 g.m super(-2).y super(-1). The amount of material which is settled at the bottom during a tide cycle is about 60 g.m super(-2), meanwhile in the whole water column it is about 500 to 800 g.m super(-2). The studied area is characterized by a detritic bioclastic bottom of slime and sand.