Influence of the Norwegian Trench on the wind-driven circulation of the North Sea

A simple three-dimensional numerical model of the North Sea basin is used to investigate the effect of the Norwegian Trench on wind-induced circulation in that basin. It is shown that the presence of the Trench can cause a main flow to pass through it, driven principally by sea-surface gradient set up by the wind. This flow affects the circulation of the entire northern part of the North Sea. A possible driving mechanism for the Norwegian Coastal Current may be inferred.