On the special current and water level variations in the channel of São Sebastião

Abstract

In this paper were discussed current measurements recorded at 5 meter depth in the São Sebastião Channel and its correlation with tidal currents and prevailing weather conditions. It has been shown that the recorded current is dominated by long periodic variation with periods of about four days and is characterized by a net transport towards NE. Computations of the currents of tidal origin have shown that they are very small and of minor importance to the current conditions in the Channel, however there are evidences of the connection between the non tidal currents, the irregular sea level variation and the prevailing weather conditions.