EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Di Iorio & Yüce 1999
Di Iorio, D. and Yüce, H. (1999). Observations of Mediterranean flow into the Black Sea. Journal of Geophysical Research 104: doi: 10.1029/1998JC900023. issn: 0148-0227.

Mediterranean Sea water inflow into the Black Sea is investigated using acoustic and oceanographic data obtained in the Black Sea exit region. The path of Mediterranean water and the resulting spreading on the continental shelf are observed with multibeam echo-sounding (SWATH) bottom bathymetry measurements, high-resolution echo-sounding images, and conductivity-temperature-depth profiles. It is found that the saline Mediterranean water is reduced by 6 practical salinity units as it flows and spreads on the shelf before reaching the continental slope, where it sinks to a depth appropriate to its density. Temporal and spatial variability in the flow and their relation to atmospheric and sea level changes are documented. It is shown that blockage of the Mediterranean undercurrent occurs when the estimated Black Sea water transport exceeds 25¿103 m3 s-1, which corresponds to a relative sea level difference greater than 40 cm. Mediterranean flow into the Black Sea is a high Reynolds, low Richardson number flow, resulting in a turbulent bottom boundary layer. Measurements of the path-averaged turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate give values ranging from 1¿10-6 to 1¿10-4 W kg-1. ¿ 1999 American Geophysical Union

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Oceanography, General, Descriptive and regional oceanography
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit