Circulation and dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; quasi-synoptic data-driven simulations

Abstract Three nearly synoptic hydrographic data sets, sampled on a fine general circulation grid, are assimilated into a quasigeostrophic model to provide absolute flow from hydrographic data plus dynamics. Dynamically adjusted fields are obtained throughout the water column after about 2 weeks of model integration, and data gaps are dynamically interpolated. Simulations of 45 day duration performed for both the Levantine and the full Eastern Mediterranean basins indicate the robustness and stability of the sub-basin scale general circulation features and provide fields for investigating the relative importance of internal dynamical processes and external forcings. The effects of topography are essential for the vorticity balance and the maintenance of the features. Mesoscale meandering and oscillations occur, and rings can form. During periods of 1–2 months direct wind forcing is relatively unimportant but evolutionary tendencies are identified.

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