Remote sensing of sea surface and coastal features in the area of the Golfe d'Arguin,Mauritania

The analysis of a series of NOAA AVHRR satellite data recorded between July and September 1986 shows the interaction between northerly and southerly water masses during summer as well as the northern limit of the northward advance of water masses originating from the South Equatorial Current. Two upwelling situations analysed by means of NOAA data show the intrusion of suspended matter from the ocean into the Golfe d'Arguin and illustrate the water circulation within the coastal zone. This circulation pattern is detailed by LANDSAT and SPOT data. A SPOT picture from October 1987 shows the structure of the intertidal and coastal geomorphology.