Mediterranean and Black Sea Level Variations, 1991-2001: Altimetry, Tide Gauge Data, and Oceanographic Models
Abstract
Mass transport is a central factor in the Earth's environmental system. As modern space geodetic techniques advance in the measurement accuracy, spatial resolution, and temporal coverage, mass transports on or in the Earth become one of the direct observables of these measurements in time-variable gravity and rotation signals. The present work aims to study the water mass transport in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, in terms of its variability both in space and time, and focus on the fact that they can be a natural laboratory both to benefit from GRACE data and to serve for the calibration for GRACE if there exists a full knowledge about their water mass transport. The present paper will use the sea-surface height (SSH) data from TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P), ERS-1 and ERS-2 altimetry for the periods 1992/9-2001/8 for T/P data and since 1991 for ERS data, and the estimated steric effect from quasi-climatology based on sparse in situ oceanographic data. We will also look at tide gauge data and include a study on Mediterranean-specific oceanic general circulation models that are under development in terms of their applicability in our geodynamic study. Preliminary results indicate strong interannaul SSH variability in both Mediterranean and Black Seas, with a particularly high sea level occurring in 1996. The pattern follows the sea-surface temperature closely, as reported in previous studies.
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.5490V