An overview of Atlantic forcing of the North Sea with focus on oceanography and biogeochemistry

This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge Atlantic forcing North Sea's hydro- and biogeochemical dynamics. The Oscillation (NAO) causes largest short-term variations via common large scale atmospheric wind-driven exchange water masses. On longer time scales zonal shifts in position subpolar front (SPF) eastern Atlantic, also triggered by NAO, determine oceanic settings northern central Sea. hydrodynamics southern Sea are influenced more local forcings. influence extends to biogeochemistry Sea, but its on primary production is still unclear. Climate change expected reinforce some mechanisms may reduce others, further work advised firm up projections available date.