The interaction between the catalan and balearic currents in the southern catalan sea

The Liguro-Provencal-Catalan current, associated with a permanent shelf/slope front, terminates near the Eivissa channel, in the southern part of the Catalan Sea. Also in this region, the North Balearic front is formed, associated with lighter waters of recent Atlantic origin. In May-June 1991, the oceanographic cruise FE'91 was carried out covering the region with CTD casts. The results of water mass analysis and geostrophic circulation are presented in this paper, and the interaction between the Catalan and North Balearic currents is described and discussed.