Analysis of the sea levels and tidal currents around Gran Canaria Island

Abstract

Tidal measurements taken on oceanic islands are usually considered more representative of oceanic tides than those taken on continental shelves (e.g., Kagan and Kivman, 1995). The present paper analyses data on sea levels and currents recorded around Gran Canaria Island. The results obtained for sea levels show strong variations in semidiurnal amplitudes. These variations seem to be induced by the widening of island's south-eastern shelf. Analysis of the semidiurnal currents reveals major changes, both in amplitudes and phases, around the island, as well as suggesting a shelf-induced effect. Moreover, the results indicate that diurnal inertial contribution is important.