The South Atlantic has a relevant role on the AMOC variability as it includes two main conduits of its upper-ocean return flow: the NBUC and the IWBC that carry, mainly, the SACW and the AAIW and are originated from the bifurcation of the SEC. One of the hypotheses of this work is that analyzing the bifurcation variability it is possible to get an index of the AMOC changes. Another hypothesis is that in a global warming scenario, changes in the hydrological cycle would drive modifications in the water masses that are part of the AMOC, and thus, contribute to its variability. Four global model results were used, with different forcing and spatial resolution. Results show that changes in the bifurcation are linked to modications in the currents both caused by variations in the wind stress curl. Good correlations were found between the SEC bifurcation at the surface and the AMOC. The NBUC seems to be the link between them. Shallowing of the SACW core is related to an increase of the salinity on neutral surfaces. The AAIW is occupying less space in the water column due to an increasing of the salinity in the neutral surfaces at 11°S, while the opposite happens at 27°S / The South Atlantic has a relevant role on the AMOC variability as it includes two main conduits of its upper-ocean return flow: the NBUC and the IWBC that carry, mainly, the SACW and the AAIW and are originated from the bifurcation of the SEC. One of the hypotheses of this work is that analyzing the bifurcation variability it is possible to get an index of the AMOC changes. Another hypothesis is that in a global warming scenario, changes in the hydrological cycle would drive modifications in the water masses that are part of the AMOC, and thus, contribute to its variability. Four global model results were used, with different forcing and spatial resolution. Results show that changes in the bifurcation are linked to modications in the currents both caused by variations in the wind stress curl. Good correlations were found between the SEC bifurcation at the surface and the AMOC. The NBUC seems to be the link between them. Shallowing of the SACW core is related to an increase of the salinity on neutral surfaces. The AAIW is occupying less space in the water column due to an increasing of the salinity in the neutral surfaces at 11°S, while the opposite happens at 27°S

The South Atlantic has a relevant role on the AMOC variability as it includes two main conduits of its upper-ocean return flow: the NBUC and the IWBC that carry, mainly, the SACW and the AAIW and are originated from the bifurcation of the SEC. One of the hypotheses of this work is that analyzing the bifurcation variability it is possible to get an index of the AMOC changes. Another hypothesis is that in a global warming scenario, changes in the hydrological cycle would drive modifications in the water masses that are part of the AMOC, and thus, contribute to its variability. Four global model results were used, with different forcing and spatial resolution. Results show that changes in the bifurcation are linked to modications in the currents both caused by variations in the wind stress curl. Good correlations were found between the SEC bifurcation at the surface and the AMOC. The NBUC seems to be the link between them. Shallowing of the SACW core is related to an increase of the salinity on neutral surfaces. The AAIW is occupying less space in the water column due to an increasing of the salinity in the neutral surfaces at 11°S, while the opposite happens at 27°S / The South Atlantic has a relevant role on the AMOC variability as it includes two main conduits of its upper-ocean return flow: the NBUC and the IWBC that carry, mainly, the SACW and the AAIW and are originated from the bifurcation of the SEC. One of the hypotheses of this work is that analyzing the bifurcation variability it is possible to get an index of the AMOC changes. Another hypothesis is that in a global warming scenario, changes in the hydrological cycle would drive modifications in the water masses that are part of the AMOC, and thus, contribute to its variability. Four global model results were used, with different forcing and spatial resolution. Results show that changes in the bifurcation are linked to modications in the currents both caused by variations in the wind stress curl. Good correlations were found between the SEC bifurcation at the surface and the AMOC. The NBUC seems to be the link between them. Shallowing of the SACW core is related to an increase of the salinity on neutral surfaces. The AAIW is occupying less space in the water column due to an increasing of the salinity in the neutral surfaces at 11°S, while the opposite happens at 27°S

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral o estudo da composição e estrutura da macrofauna bêntica em escala espacial e sazonal, da região de Cabo Frio (RJ). O aspecto temporal nessa área é especialmente importante devido a ocorrência do fenômeno sazonal da ressurgência costeira. Esse ocorre devido alguns fatores físicos característicos da área, tais como mudanças na topografia e na direção da costa, e principalmente, em decorrência das condições meteorológicas atuantes no local. A interação desses fatores favorece, principalmente no verão, o ressurgimento próximo à costa da Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS), uma massa de água fria e rica em nutrientes. Essa massa de água disponibiliza grande quantidade de nutrientes para o fitoplâncton das camadas superficiais, ocasionando uma elevada produção primária nova. Parte dessa produção é exportada para o fundo incrementando a biomassa bêntica. Assim, a comunidade bêntica assume um papel vital no ecossistema, sendo tanto receptora como fornecedora de energia. Os descritores de comunidade (densidade, biomassa, riqueza, diversidade e equitatividade) e a identificação dos grupos tróficos de Polychaeta foram analisados entre 40 e 1000m de profundidade e em três épocas do ano, inverno de 2001 e verão e primavera de 2002. A integração dos dados biológicos com os ambientais mostrou que as variações espaciais na estrutura e composição dos organismos foi relacionada à profundidade e ao tipo de sedimento verificado nas estações. A estrutura da comunidade também apresentou variações temporais, especialmente nas estações situadas na plataforma continental, respondendo à entrada de matéria orgânica decorrente do evento de ressurgência. / The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and spatial and seasonal structure of the macrobenthic fauna off Cabo Frio (RJ). The temporal scale was investigated in the light of the seasonal coastal upwelling. This phenomenon occurs due to changes in bottom topography and in the coastline direction, and specially, because of the prevailing seasonal NE winds in the area. The interaction of these factors enables the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) to rise up and reaches the surface, intensively during the summer months. Large amounts of nutrients are then brought to the euphotic zone, enhancing primary productivity. This high productivity increases food supply for benthic communities by sinking of particulate organic carbon. In this way, the benthic communities are an important link in the ecosystem. The density of organisms, biomass, species richness and evenness and also the trophic group of Polychaeta were analyzed in a depth gradient from 40 to 1000m during the 2001 winter and 2002 summer and spring. Faunal distributional patterns and species composition correlated with environmental variables, especially depth and sediment types. The faunal structure also showed temporal changes along the sample period, especially in the stations located in the continental shelf due to the input of organic matter to the sea floor.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral o estudo da composição e estrutura da macrofauna bêntica em escala espacial e sazonal, da região de Cabo Frio (RJ). O aspecto temporal nessa área é especialmente importante devido a ocorrência do fenômeno sazonal da ressurgência costeira. Esse ocorre devido alguns fatores físicos característicos da área, tais como mudanças na topografia e na direção da costa, e principalmente, em decorrência das condições meteorológicas atuantes no local. A interação desses fatores favorece, principalmente no verão, o ressurgimento próximo à costa da Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS), uma massa de água fria e rica em nutrientes. Essa massa de água disponibiliza grande quantidade de nutrientes para o fitoplâncton das camadas superficiais, ocasionando uma elevada produção primária nova. Parte dessa produção é exportada para o fundo incrementando a biomassa bêntica. Assim, a comunidade bêntica assume um papel vital no ecossistema, sendo tanto receptora como fornecedora de energia. Os descritores de comunidade (densidade, biomassa, riqueza, diversidade e equitatividade) e a identificação dos grupos tróficos de Polychaeta foram analisados entre 40 e 1000m de profundidade e em três épocas do ano, inverno de 2001 e verão e primavera de 2002. A integração dos dados biológicos com os ambientais mostrou que as variações espaciais na estrutura e composição dos organismos foi relacionada à profundidade e ao tipo de sedimento verificado nas estações. A estrutura da comunidade também apresentou variações temporais, especialmente nas estações situadas na plataforma continental, respondendo à entrada de matéria orgânica decorrente do evento de ressurgência. / The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and spatial and seasonal structure of the macrobenthic fauna off Cabo Frio (RJ). The temporal scale was investigated in the light of the seasonal coastal upwelling. This phenomenon occurs due to changes in bottom topography and in the coastline direction, and specially, because of the prevailing seasonal NE winds in the area. The interaction of these factors enables the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) to rise up and reaches the surface, intensively during the summer months. Large amounts of nutrients are then brought to the euphotic zone, enhancing primary productivity. This high productivity increases food supply for benthic communities by sinking of particulate organic carbon. In this way, the benthic communities are an important link in the ecosystem. The density of organisms, biomass, species richness and evenness and also the trophic group of Polychaeta were analyzed in a depth gradient from 40 to 1000m during the 2001 winter and 2002 summer and spring. Faunal distributional patterns and species composition correlated with environmental variables, especially depth and sediment types. The faunal structure also showed temporal changes along the sample period, especially in the stations located in the continental shelf due to the input of organic matter to the sea floor.

L’Afrique centrale atlantique (ACA) englobe l’ensemble du domaine bas-guinéen, les îles du Golfe de Guinée et une partie de l’archipel afromontagnard. Plusieurs centres d’endémisme ont été identifiés en son sein et sont généralement considérés comme liés à la présence de refuges forestiers durant les périodes glaciaires. Cependant, l’origine de cet endémisme, sa localisation et les méthodes permettant d’identifier ces centres restent controversées. La localisation de ces zones d’endémisme et des plantes rares qu’elles abritent, est pourtant un prérequis indispensable pour la mise en place de politiques cohérentes de conservation et demeure une priorité pour les organisations privées, institutionnelles ou gouvernementales actives dans la gestion et le maintien durable de la biodiversité. Cette étude phytogéographique porte sur la famille des Orchidaceae et est basée sur l’analyse de la distribution des taxons endémiques de l’ACA. Elle s’appuie sur un jeu de données original résultant d’un effort d’échantillonnage important au Cameroun et d’un travail d’identification et de localisation de spécimens dans les principaux herbaria européens abritant des collections d’ACA. Durant cette étude, (i) nous avons tout d’abord identifié ces taxons endémiques et documenté leur distribution au travers de plusieurs contributions taxonomiques et floristiques, (ii) nous nous sommes ensuite intéressé aux nouvelles méthodes permettant d’analyser ces données d’herbier de plantes rares et donc pauvrement documentées, testant aussi l’intérêt des Orchidaceae comme marqueurs chorologiques, et finalement, appliquant ces méthodes à notre jeu de données, (iii) nous avons délimité des centres d’endémisme et identifié les territoires phytogéographiques des Orchidaceae en ACA. (i) Une révision taxonomique des genres Chamaeangis Schltr. et Stolzia Schltr. a été réalisée respectivement. Sept nouveaux taxons ont été décrits: Angraecum atlanticum Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis spiralis Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis lecomtei (Finet) Schltr. var. tenuicalcar Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya engogensis Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya reticulata Stévart & Droissart, Stolzia repens (Rolfe) Summerh var. cleistogama Stévart, Droissart & Simo et Stolzia grandiflora P.J.Cribb subsp. lejolyana Stévart, Droissart & Simo. Plusieurs notes taxonomiques, phytogéographiques et écologiques supplémentaires ont également été redigées. Au total, nous avons identifié 203 taxons d’Orchidaceae endémiques d’ACA parmi lesquels 193 sont pris en compte pour l’étude des patrons d’endémisme. (ii) Au Cameroun, les patrons de distribution des Orchidaceae et des Rubiaceae endémiques d’ACA ont été étudiés conjointement. Des méthodes de rééchantillonnage des données (raréfaction) ont été appliquées pour calculer des indices de diversité et de similarité. Elles ont permis de corriger les biais liés à la variation de l’effort d’échantillonnage. Un gradient de continentalité a été observé, les parties côtières étant les plus riches en taxons endémiques d’ACA. Contrairement à la région du Mont Cameroun et aux massifs de Kupe/Bakossi qui ont connu une attention particulière des politiques et des scientifiques, la partie côtière du sud Cameroun, presque aussi riche, reste mal inventoriée pour plusieurs familles végétales. Cette analyse à l’échelle du Cameroun a également permis de comparer les patrons d’endémisme des Orchidaceae et des Rubiaceae. Les différences observées seraient principalement dues à la présence d’Orchidaceae terrestres dans les végétations basses et les prairies montagnardes de la dorsale camerounaise alors que les Rubiaceae sont généralement peu représentées dans ces habitats. Au sein des habitats forestiers, la concordance entre les patrons d’endémisme des Orchidaceae et des Rubiaceae remet en question l’utilisation des capacités de dispersion des espèces comme critère pour choisir les familles permettant l’identification des refuges forestiers et semble ainsi confirmer la pertinence de l’utilisation des Orchidaceae comme marqueur chorologique. La distribution potentielle a été utilisée pour étudier en détail l’écologie, la distribution et le statut de conservation de Diceratostele gabonensis Summerh., une Orchidaceae endémique de la région guinéo-congolaise uniquement connue d’un faible nombre d’échantillons. Cette méthodologie semble appropriée pour compléter nos connaissances sur la distribution des espèces rares et guider les futurs inventaires en Afrique tropicale. (iii) En ACA, les Orchidaceae permettent d’identifier plusieurs centres d’endémisme qui coïncident généralement avec ceux identifiés précédemment pour d’autres familles végétales. Ces constats supportent aussi l’utilisation des Orchidaceae comme marqueur chorologique. La délimitation des aires d’endémisme des Orchidaceae a ainsi permis de proposer une nouvelle carte phytogéographique de l’ACA. Les éléments phytogéographiques propres à chacune des dix phytochories décrites ont été identifiés et leurs affinités floristiques discutées. Les résultats phytogéographiques obtenus (a) soutiennent l’existence d’une barrière phytogéographique matérialisée par la rivière Sanaga entre les deux principaux centres et aires d’endémisme de l’ACA, (b) étendent l’archipel afromontagnard situé principalement au Cameroun au plateau de Jos (Nigeria) et (c) montrent l’importance de la chaîne montagneuse morcelée Ngovayang-Mayombe pour la distribution de l’endémisme en ACA. Cette chaîne de montagne, qui s’étend le long des côtes de l’océan du sud Cameroun au Congo-Brazzaville et qui correspond à plusieurs refuges forestiers identifiés par de nombreux auteurs, est ici considérée comme une seule aire d’endémisme morcelée./ Atlantic central Africa (ACA) covers the Lower Guinean Domain, the four islands of the Gulf of Guinea and a part of the afromontane archipelago. Different centres of endemism have been identified into this area and are usually considered as related to glacial forest refuges. However, the origin of this endemism, the localization of the centres and the methods employed to identify these centres are subject to debate. Yet, the localization of these centres of endemism and the identification of the rare plants they harbor is an essential prerequisite to setting up rational conservation policies, and remains a priority for private, institutional and governmental organizations which are dealing with the sustainable management of biodiversity. This phytogeographical study focuses on Orchidaceae and analyses the distribution of the taxa endemic to ACA. We use an original dataset resulting from an important sampling efforts and the identification of specimens coming from all the principal herbaria where collections from ACA are housed. During this study, (i) we first identified the taxa endemic to ACA and documented their distribution through several taxonomic and floristic contributions, (ii) we used and developed new methods allowing to correct for sampling bias associated with the use of rare and poorly documented taxa, testing at the same time the use of Orchidaceae as chorological markers, and finally, applying these methods to our dataset, (iii) we delimited the centres of endemism and identified the phytogeographical territories of Orchidaceae in ACA. (i) A taxonomic revision of Chamaeangis Schltr. and Stolzia Schltr. respectively was carried out. Seven new taxa were described: Angraecum atlanticum Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis spiralis Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis lecomtei (Finet) Schltr. var. tenuicalcar Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya engogensis Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya reticulata Stévart & Droissart, Stolzia repens (Rolfe) Summerh var. cleistogama Stévart, Droissart & Simo and Stolzia grandiflora P.J.Cribb subsp. lejolyana Stévart, Droissart & Simo. Several additional taxonomic, phytogeographical and ecological notes were also published. We finally identified 203 Orchidaceae taxa endemic to ACA, among which 193 were used to study the patterns of endemism. (ii) In Cameroon, the distribution patterns of both Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae endemic to ACA were studied. Subsampling methods (rarefaction) were applied to calculate diversity and similarity indices and to correct potential bias associated with heterogeneous sampling intensity. A gradient of continentality was confirmed in Cameroon, the coastal part being the richest in taxa endemic to ACA. The Cameroon Mountain and the Kupe/Bakossi mountain massifs have received a great consideration of politics and scientists. On the contrary, the Southern coastal part of Cameroon, though almost as rich as the Northern part, remains poorly known for several plant families. This analysis also allowed us to compare patterns of endemism of Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae. The differences observed could be mainly due to the terrestrial habit of some Orchidaceae, which are only found in the grasslands of the highest part of the Cameroonian volcanic line where endemic Rubiaceae are rare. Within forest habitats, the concordance between the patterns of endemism of Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae question the widespread use of dispersal ability as a selection criterion for the families used to identify forest refuges. This also confirms the relevance of Orchidaceae as chorological marker. Species distribution modelling was used of an in depth study of the ecology, the distribution and the conservation status of Diceratostele gabonensis Summerh., an Orchidaceae endemic to the Guineo-Congolian regional centre of endemism which is only known from very few collections. This method is proved to be appropriate to complete our knowledge on the distribution of rare plant species and to guide the future inventories in tropical Africa. (iii) In ACA, an analysis of the distribution of endemic Orchidaceae confirmed the presence and location of several centres of endemism previously identified on the basis of other plant families. This result again supports the use of Orchidaceae as a chorological marker. The chorological study of the endemic Orchidaceae allowed us to propose a new phytogeographical map for ACA. Phytogeographical elements for each of the ten phytochoria described were identified and their floristic affinities were also discussed. Our results (a) support the existence of a phytogeographical barrier, materialized by the Sanaga River, between the two main centres and area of endemism of the ACA, (b) extend the limits of the afromontane archipelago to the Jos Plateau in Nigeria and (c) show the importance of the Ngovayang-Mayombe line to explain the distribution of endemism in ACA. This mountainous line, stretching along the ocean coast from Southern Cameroon to Congo-Brazzaville, corresponds to several forest refuges identified by many authors, and is here considered as an unique but discontinuous area of endemism.

The intrusion pathways and physical mechanisms associated with intrusions of cold, nutrient-rich South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) onto the continental shelf of the Espírito Santo Basin (ESB), off southeast Brazil (18°S-22°S), are investigated. The approach consists of analyses of a set of simplified, process-oriented, primitive-equation numerical models supported by the analyses of an independent, more realistic numerical model and available observations. The cross-isobath circulation is found to be strongly dominated by wind-driving, consistent with previous findings. In the model experiments, SACW enters the ESB shelf through two preferential pathways along the Tubarão Bight area (TB, 19.5°S-22°S). These pathways are found to be locations where an equatorward along-isobath pressure gradient force (PGFy∗) of ∼2 x 10-6 m s-2 develops in response to steady wind forcing. This equatorward PGFy∗ is essentially in geostrophic balance, and therefore induces onshore flow across the shelf edge and most of the shelf proper. The Brazil Current (BC) imparts an additional equatorward PGFy∗ on the shelf. The momentum budget reveals that the ageostrophic residue of the PGFy∗ is compensated mostly by momentum advection and bottom friction. Buoyancy arrest might be important under more intense SACW intrusion events, as suggested by the maximum observed values of the slope Burger number (0.32-0.92). Among the deep ocean forcing mechanisms considered, the intrinsic pycnocline uplifting effect of the BC seems to be responsible for ∼1.4°C colder upwelled water under steady, upwelling-favorable wind forcing, relative to a flat stratification scenario. The BC also seems to induce local intrusions by inertially overshooting the shelf edge, consistent with Rossby numbers of ∼0.3-0.5, as estimated for the area along the TB shelf edge. Finally, the planetary β-effect is also related to a background equatorward PGFy∗. In addition, the steady response of the continental shelf to a periodic (in the along-shelf direction) pressure forcing at the shelf edge is compared with the BC-forced primitive-equation numerical solutions. A simple Arrested Topographic Wave (ATW) analytical model is found to be successful in representing the general features of the numerical solutions. The cross-shelf e-folding scales of the cross-shelf velocity estimated from the numerical solutions agree in order of magnitude with the cross-shelf penetration scale q-1 = [-2r/(lfs)]½ = 10 km predicted by the ATW, where r is a linear bottom resistance parameter, l is the along-shelf wavenumber of the forcing at the shelf edge, f is the Coriolis parameter and s is the bottom slope. Furthermore, the use of quadratic bottom stress accounts for some of the relative increase in the numerical onshore penetration scales, which are predicted to be qquadratic-1 = [-2CD/(lfs)]½ [Ubot]½, where CD is a quadratic bottom friction parameter and Ubot is the near-bottom velocity magnitude. The kind of steady response to periodic deep ocean forcing examined here may provide insight into other continental shelves under the influence of western boundary currents. / Os caminhos e os mecanismos físicos associados ao fenômeno de intrusão da Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS) na plataforma continental da Bacia do Espírito Santo (BES) ao largo da costa sudeste (18°S-22°S) são investigados nesta dissertação. A abordagem consiste da análise de experimentos numéricos de equações primitivas simplificados, combinados com a análise de um modelo numérico mais completo, e com análise de observações disponíveis. Conclui-se que a circulação na direção perpendicular às isóbatas é fortemente dominada pelo vento, de acordo com resultados pretéritos. Nos experimentos numéricos, a ACAS ingressa na plataforma da BES através de dois caminhos preferenciais de intrusão no Embaiamento de Tubarão (ET, 19,5°S-22°S). Estes caminhos de intrusão coincidem com áreas em que uma Força do Gradiente de Pressão na direção paralela às isóbatas (PGFy∗), com magnitude de ∼2 x 10-6 m s-2, se forma em resposta ao vento. A PGFy∗ se encontra essencialmente em balanço geostrófico, e impulsiona um escoamento na direção da costa. A Corrente do Brasil (CB) induz uma PGFy∗ adicional favorável à intrusão. O balanço de momentum revela que o resíduo ageostrófico da PGFy∗ é balanceado principalmente pela advecção de momentum e pelo atrito de fundo. O mecanismo de desligamento da camada de Ekman de fundo por empuxo (tradução livre de buoyancy arrest) pode ser importante em eventos mais intensos de intrusão de ACAS, em razão das estimativas do número de Burger de inclinação (tradução livre de slope Burger number) observado (0,32-0,92). O efeito de soerguimento da termoclina ligado à CB aparenta diminuir em ∼1,4 °C a temperatura da água que aflora em eventos de ressurgência costeira. A CB também parece produzir intrusões locais na borda da plataforma por efeitos inerciais, de acordo com as estimativas de ∼0,3-0,5 para o número de Rossby ao longo da borda da plataforma. Por fim, o efeito β planetário também é associado a uma PGFy∗ básica na direção do equador. Adicionalmente, a resposta estacionária da plataforma continental a um campo de pressão periódico ao longo da borda da plataforma é comparada com as soluções numéricas. Um simples modelo analítico do tipo Onda Topográfica Aprisionada (OTA, tradução livre de Arrested Topographic Wave) representa as características gerais das soluções numéricas. As escalas de decaimento Neperiano (e) na direção perpendicular à plataforma estimadas a partir das soluções numéricas são comparáveis à escala de penetração q-1 = [-2r/(lfs)]½ = 10 km prevista pela OTA, onde r é um coeficiente linear de atrito de fundo, l é o número de onda da forçante, f é o parâmetro de Coriolis e s é a inclinação do fundo. O uso de uma parametrização quadrática para o atrito de fundo prevê parte da diminuição da e. A escala de penetração quadrática é qquadratic-1 = [-2CD/(lfs)]½[Ubot]½, onde CD é um coeficiente quadrático de atrito de fundo e Ubot é a magnitude da velocidade próxima ao fundo. Este tipo de resposta estacionária da plataforma a uma forçante periódica ligada ao oceano profundo pode ajudar a elucidar processos físicos em outras plataformas continentais que se encontram sob a influência de correntes de limite oeste.

The intrusion pathways and physical mechanisms associated with intrusions of cold, nutrient-rich South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) onto the continental shelf of the Espírito Santo Basin (ESB), off southeast Brazil (18°S-22°S), are investigated. The approach consists of analyses of a set of simplified, process-oriented, primitive-equation numerical models supported by the analyses of an independent, more realistic numerical model and available observations. The cross-isobath circulation is found to be strongly dominated by wind-driving, consistent with previous findings. In the model experiments, SACW enters the ESB shelf through two preferential pathways along the Tubarão Bight area (TB, 19.5°S-22°S). These pathways are found to be locations where an equatorward along-isobath pressure gradient force (PGFy∗) of ∼2 x 10-6 m s-2 develops in response to steady wind forcing. This equatorward PGFy∗ is essentially in geostrophic balance, and therefore induces onshore flow across the shelf edge and most of the shelf proper. The Brazil Current (BC) imparts an additional equatorward PGFy∗ on the shelf. The momentum budget reveals that the ageostrophic residue of the PGFy∗ is compensated mostly by momentum advection and bottom friction. Buoyancy arrest might be important under more intense SACW intrusion events, as suggested by the maximum observed values of the slope Burger number (0.32-0.92). Among the deep ocean forcing mechanisms considered, the intrinsic pycnocline uplifting effect of the BC seems to be responsible for ∼1.4°C colder upwelled water under steady, upwelling-favorable wind forcing, relative to a flat stratification scenario. The BC also seems to induce local intrusions by inertially overshooting the shelf edge, consistent with Rossby numbers of ∼0.3-0.5, as estimated for the area along the TB shelf edge. Finally, the planetary β-effect is also related to a background equatorward PGFy∗. In addition, the steady response of the continental shelf to a periodic (in the along-shelf direction) pressure forcing at the shelf edge is compared with the BC-forced primitive-equation numerical solutions. A simple Arrested Topographic Wave (ATW) analytical model is found to be successful in representing the general features of the numerical solutions. The cross-shelf e-folding scales of the cross-shelf velocity estimated from the numerical solutions agree in order of magnitude with the cross-shelf penetration scale q-1 = [-2r/(lfs)]½ = 10 km predicted by the ATW, where r is a linear bottom resistance parameter, l is the along-shelf wavenumber of the forcing at the shelf edge, f is the Coriolis parameter and s is the bottom slope. Furthermore, the use of quadratic bottom stress accounts for some of the relative increase in the numerical onshore penetration scales, which are predicted to be qquadratic-1 = [-2CD/(lfs)]½ [Ubot]½, where CD is a quadratic bottom friction parameter and Ubot is the near-bottom velocity magnitude. The kind of steady response to periodic deep ocean forcing examined here may provide insight into other continental shelves under the influence of western boundary currents. / Os caminhos e os mecanismos físicos associados ao fenômeno de intrusão da Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS) na plataforma continental da Bacia do Espírito Santo (BES) ao largo da costa sudeste (18°S-22°S) são investigados nesta dissertação. A abordagem consiste da análise de experimentos numéricos de equações primitivas simplificados, combinados com a análise de um modelo numérico mais completo, e com análise de observações disponíveis. Conclui-se que a circulação na direção perpendicular às isóbatas é fortemente dominada pelo vento, de acordo com resultados pretéritos. Nos experimentos numéricos, a ACAS ingressa na plataforma da BES através de dois caminhos preferenciais de intrusão no Embaiamento de Tubarão (ET, 19,5°S-22°S). Estes caminhos de intrusão coincidem com áreas em que uma Força do Gradiente de Pressão na direção paralela às isóbatas (PGFy∗), com magnitude de ∼2 x 10-6 m s-2, se forma em resposta ao vento. A PGFy∗ se encontra essencialmente em balanço geostrófico, e impulsiona um escoamento na direção da costa. A Corrente do Brasil (CB) induz uma PGFy∗ adicional favorável à intrusão. O balanço de momentum revela que o resíduo ageostrófico da PGFy∗ é balanceado principalmente pela advecção de momentum e pelo atrito de fundo. O mecanismo de desligamento da camada de Ekman de fundo por empuxo (tradução livre de buoyancy arrest) pode ser importante em eventos mais intensos de intrusão de ACAS, em razão das estimativas do número de Burger de inclinação (tradução livre de slope Burger number) observado (0,32-0,92). O efeito de soerguimento da termoclina ligado à CB aparenta diminuir em ∼1,4 °C a temperatura da água que aflora em eventos de ressurgência costeira. A CB também parece produzir intrusões locais na borda da plataforma por efeitos inerciais, de acordo com as estimativas de ∼0,3-0,5 para o número de Rossby ao longo da borda da plataforma. Por fim, o efeito β planetário também é associado a uma PGFy∗ básica na direção do equador. Adicionalmente, a resposta estacionária da plataforma continental a um campo de pressão periódico ao longo da borda da plataforma é comparada com as soluções numéricas. Um simples modelo analítico do tipo Onda Topográfica Aprisionada (OTA, tradução livre de Arrested Topographic Wave) representa as características gerais das soluções numéricas. As escalas de decaimento Neperiano (e) na direção perpendicular à plataforma estimadas a partir das soluções numéricas são comparáveis à escala de penetração q-1 = [-2r/(lfs)]½ = 10 km prevista pela OTA, onde r é um coeficiente linear de atrito de fundo, l é o número de onda da forçante, f é o parâmetro de Coriolis e s é a inclinação do fundo. O uso de uma parametrização quadrática para o atrito de fundo prevê parte da diminuição da e. A escala de penetração quadrática é qquadratic-1 = [-2CD/(lfs)]½[Ubot]½, onde CD é um coeficiente quadrático de atrito de fundo e Ubot é a magnitude da velocidade próxima ao fundo. Este tipo de resposta estacionária da plataforma a uma forçante periódica ligada ao oceano profundo pode ajudar a elucidar processos físicos em outras plataformas continentais que se encontram sob a influência de correntes de limite oeste.

L’Afrique centrale atlantique (ACA) englobe l’ensemble du domaine bas-guinéen, les îles du Golfe de Guinée et une partie de l’archipel afromontagnard. Plusieurs centres d’endémisme ont été identifiés en son sein et sont généralement considérés comme liés à la présence de refuges forestiers durant les périodes glaciaires. Cependant, l’origine de cet endémisme, sa localisation et les méthodes permettant d’identifier ces centres restent controversées. La localisation de ces zones d’endémisme et des plantes rares qu’elles abritent, est pourtant un prérequis indispensable pour la mise en place de politiques cohérentes de conservation et demeure une priorité pour les organisations privées, institutionnelles ou gouvernementales actives dans la gestion et le maintien durable de la biodiversité.<p><p>Cette étude phytogéographique porte sur la famille des Orchidaceae et est basée sur l’analyse de la distribution des taxons endémiques de l’ACA. Elle s’appuie sur un jeu de données original résultant d’un effort d’échantillonnage important au Cameroun et d’un travail d’identification et de localisation de spécimens dans les principaux herbaria européens abritant des collections d’ACA. Durant cette étude, (i) nous avons tout d’abord identifié ces taxons endémiques et documenté leur distribution au travers de plusieurs contributions taxonomiques et floristiques, (ii) nous nous sommes ensuite intéressé aux nouvelles méthodes permettant d’analyser ces données d’herbier de plantes rares et donc pauvrement documentées, testant aussi l’intérêt des Orchidaceae comme marqueurs chorologiques, et finalement, appliquant ces méthodes à notre jeu de données, (iii) nous avons délimité des centres d’endémisme et identifié les territoires phytogéographiques des Orchidaceae en ACA.<p><p>(i) Une révision taxonomique des genres Chamaeangis Schltr. et Stolzia Schltr. a été réalisée respectivement. Sept nouveaux taxons ont été décrits: Angraecum atlanticum Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis spiralis Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis lecomtei (Finet) Schltr. var. tenuicalcar Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya engogensis Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya reticulata Stévart & Droissart, Stolzia repens (Rolfe) Summerh var. cleistogama Stévart, Droissart & Simo et Stolzia grandiflora P.J.Cribb subsp. lejolyana Stévart, Droissart & Simo. Plusieurs notes taxonomiques, phytogéographiques et écologiques supplémentaires ont également été redigées. Au total, nous avons identifié 203 taxons d’Orchidaceae endémiques d’ACA parmi lesquels 193 sont pris en compte pour l’étude des patrons d’endémisme.<p><p>(ii) Au Cameroun, les patrons de distribution des Orchidaceae et des Rubiaceae endémiques d’ACA ont été étudiés conjointement. Des méthodes de rééchantillonnage des données (raréfaction) ont été appliquées pour calculer des indices de diversité et de similarité. Elles ont permis de corriger les biais liés à la variation de l’effort d’échantillonnage. Un gradient de continentalité a été observé, les parties côtières étant les plus riches en taxons endémiques d’ACA. Contrairement à la région du Mont Cameroun et aux massifs de Kupe/Bakossi qui ont connu une attention particulière des politiques et des scientifiques, la partie côtière du sud Cameroun, presque aussi riche, reste mal inventoriée pour plusieurs familles végétales.<p><p>Cette analyse à l’échelle du Cameroun a également permis de comparer les patrons d’endémisme des Orchidaceae et des Rubiaceae. Les différences observées seraient principalement dues à la présence d’Orchidaceae terrestres dans les végétations basses et les prairies montagnardes de la dorsale camerounaise alors que les Rubiaceae sont généralement peu représentées dans ces habitats. Au sein des habitats forestiers, la concordance entre les patrons d’endémisme des Orchidaceae et des Rubiaceae remet en question l’utilisation des capacités de dispersion des espèces comme critère pour choisir les familles permettant l’identification des refuges forestiers et semble ainsi confirmer la pertinence de l’utilisation des Orchidaceae comme marqueur chorologique.<p><p>La distribution potentielle a été utilisée pour étudier en détail l’écologie, la distribution et le statut de conservation de Diceratostele gabonensis Summerh. une Orchidaceae endémique de la région guinéo-congolaise uniquement connue d’un faible nombre d’échantillons. Cette méthodologie semble appropriée pour compléter nos connaissances sur la distribution des espèces rares et guider les futurs inventaires en Afrique tropicale.<p><p>(iii) En ACA, les Orchidaceae permettent d’identifier plusieurs centres d’endémisme qui coïncident généralement avec ceux identifiés précédemment pour d’autres familles végétales. Ces constats supportent aussi l’utilisation des Orchidaceae comme marqueur chorologique. La délimitation des aires d’endémisme des Orchidaceae a ainsi permis de proposer une nouvelle carte phytogéographique de l’ACA. Les éléments phytogéographiques propres à chacune des dix phytochories décrites ont été identifiés et leurs affinités floristiques discutées. Les résultats phytogéographiques obtenus (a) soutiennent l’existence d’une barrière phytogéographique matérialisée par la rivière Sanaga entre les deux principaux centres et aires d’endémisme de l’ACA, (b) étendent l’archipel afromontagnard situé principalement au Cameroun au plateau de Jos (Nigeria) et (c) montrent l’importance de la chaîne montagneuse morcelée Ngovayang-Mayombe pour la distribution de l’endémisme en ACA. Cette chaîne de montagne, qui s’étend le long des côtes de l’océan du sud Cameroun au Congo-Brazzaville et qui correspond à plusieurs refuges forestiers identifiés par de nombreux auteurs, est ici considérée comme une seule aire d’endémisme morcelée./<p>Atlantic central Africa (ACA) covers the Lower Guinean Domain, the four islands of the Gulf of Guinea and a part of the afromontane archipelago. Different centres of endemism have been identified into this area and are usually considered as related to glacial forest refuges. However, the origin of this endemism, the localization of the centres and the methods employed to identify these centres are subject to debate. Yet, the localization of these centres of endemism and the identification of the rare plants they harbor is an essential prerequisite to setting up rational conservation policies, and remains a priority for private, institutional and governmental organizations which are dealing with the sustainable management of biodiversity.<p><p>This phytogeographical study focuses on Orchidaceae and analyses the distribution of the taxa endemic to ACA. We use an original dataset resulting from an important sampling efforts and the identification of specimens coming from all the principal herbaria where collections from ACA are housed. During this study, (i) we first identified the taxa endemic to ACA and documented their distribution through several taxonomic and floristic contributions, (ii) we used and developed new methods allowing to correct for sampling bias associated with the use of rare and poorly documented taxa, testing at the same time the use of Orchidaceae as chorological markers, and finally, applying these methods to our dataset, (iii) we delimited the centres of endemism and identified the phytogeographical territories of Orchidaceae in ACA.<p><p>(i) A taxonomic revision of Chamaeangis Schltr. and Stolzia Schltr. respectively was carried out. Seven new taxa were described: Angraecum atlanticum Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis spiralis Stévart & Droissart, Chamaeangis lecomtei (Finet) Schltr. var. tenuicalcar Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya engogensis Stévart & Droissart, Polystachya reticulata Stévart & Droissart, Stolzia repens (Rolfe) Summerh var. cleistogama Stévart, Droissart & Simo and Stolzia grandiflora P.J.Cribb subsp. lejolyana Stévart, Droissart & Simo. Several additional taxonomic, phytogeographical and ecological notes were also published. We finally identified 203 Orchidaceae taxa endemic to ACA, among which 193 were used to study the patterns of endemism.<p><p>(ii) In Cameroon, the distribution patterns of both Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae endemic to ACA were studied. Subsampling methods (rarefaction) were applied to calculate diversity and similarity indices and to correct potential bias associated with heterogeneous sampling intensity. A gradient of continentality was confirmed in Cameroon, the coastal part being the richest in taxa endemic to ACA. The Cameroon Mountain and the Kupe/Bakossi mountain massifs have received a great consideration of politics and scientists. On the contrary, the Southern coastal part of Cameroon, though almost as rich as the Northern part, remains poorly known for several plant families.<p>This analysis also allowed us to compare patterns of endemism of Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae. The differences observed could be mainly due to the terrestrial habit of some Orchidaceae, which are only found in the grasslands of the highest part of the Cameroonian volcanic line where endemic Rubiaceae are rare. Within forest habitats, the concordance between the patterns of endemism of Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae question the widespread use of dispersal ability as a selection criterion for the families used to identify forest refuges. This also confirms the relevance of Orchidaceae as chorological marker.<p><p>Species distribution modelling was used of an in depth study of the ecology, the distribution and the conservation status of Diceratostele gabonensis Summerh. an Orchidaceae endemic to the Guineo-Congolian regional centre of endemism which is only known from very few collections. This method is proved to be appropriate to complete our knowledge on the distribution of rare plant species and to guide the future inventories in tropical Africa.<p><p>(iii) In ACA, an analysis of the distribution of endemic Orchidaceae confirmed the presence and location of several centres of endemism previously identified on the basis of other plant families. This result again supports the use of Orchidaceae as a chorological marker. The chorological study of the endemic Orchidaceae allowed us to propose a new phytogeographical map for ACA. Phytogeographical elements for each of the ten phytochoria described were identified and their floristic affinities were also discussed. Our results (a) support the existence of a phytogeographical barrier, materialized by the Sanaga River, between the two main centres and area of endemism of the ACA, (b) extend the limits of the afromontane archipelago to the Jos Plateau in Nigeria and (c) show the importance of the Ngovayang-Mayombe line to explain the distribution of endemism in ACA. This mountainous line, stretching along the ocean coast from Southern Cameroon to Congo-Brazzaville, corresponds to several forest refuges identified by many authors, and is here considered as an unique but discontinuous area of endemism.<p><p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished