Seasonal Variability of Water Mass Properties in BassStrait

The seasonal cycle of water mass variation andtransformation in Bass Strait is investigated using athree-dimensional s-coordinate hydrodynamic model anddata from observations and previous studies.Lagrangian and Eulerian tracer methods are developedto derive transport timescales, such as age,residence times and flushing times that are relevantto studies of climate, marine ecosystems andanthropogenic environmental impacts. Timescales areprincipally used as a diagnostic tool to examine andsummarize model simulations. Uncertainty in modelresults and observations is quantified to validatethe findings and conclusions of the study. The studyextends knowledge of physical oceanography in theregion by presenting information on the seasonalcirculation and overall exchange processes governingrenewal of Strait waters. It also provides a basisfor future work understanding the response of BassStrait to climate change.