Dense Water Dynamics along the Strait of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Hydrographic and current meter data, gathered in different periods in the Strait of Sicily and in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, allow the outflow characteristics from the eastern toward the Western Mediterranean basin to be analyzed. The evolution through the strait of a deep vein of dense water coming from the Eastern Mediterranean is described, together with the dynamic interaction with overlying layers. These data are related to a slightly generalized version of recent density current models, such as those of Emms and those of Baringer and Price. Taking into account the dynamic influence of the overlying currents, and in particular their friction and mixing, this model explains the path of this deep flow and enables estimates of entrainment and bottom friction to be made. With these new data, a phenomenon of considerable interest, namely the dynamics of density currents crossing and outflowing from a strait, is examined and discussed.