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Ann. Geophys., 21, 299-322, 2003
www.ann-geophys.net/21/299/2003/
© European Geosciences Union 2003
Seasonal variability in the Central Mediterranean Sea circulation
R. Sorgente1, A. F. Drago2, and A. Ribotti1
1CNR-IAMC, Sect. Oristano, c/o International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09072 Torregrande-Oristano, Italy
2Physical Oceanography Unit, IOI-MOC, University of Malta, c/o 36, Old Mint Str., Valletta VLT12, Malta
Abstract. A high resolution
eddy-resolving primitive equation numerical model, based on the Princeton Ocean
Model (POM), is used to study the seasonal variability of the general
circulation in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The model is run on a seasonal
cycle, perpetual year simulation for five years, with nesting to the coarser
resolution Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM), covering the whole
Mediterranean Sea. The model results are compared to the current knowledge on
the hydrography and dynamics of the area, with a special focus on the annual
cycle of the Modified Atlantic Water (MAW), on the circulation in the Sardinia
Channel, the water exchange across the Strait of Sicily, and on the transition
and fate of the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW). The results show that the
adopted coupling techniques between the two models give a proficient
downscaling of the large-scale OGCM flow field into the regional scale model.
The numerical solution is also used to highlight the seasonal characteristics
of important dynamical features in the area, as well as to shed light on the
scarcely known circulation regimes along the north African shelf and slope.
Key words. Oceanography: general
(numerical modelling); Oceanography: physical (currents; general circulation)
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