Characterizing of Azov Sea and Black Sea Water Masses Mixing in the Kerch Strait Using Integrated Remote and Contact Measurements

Abstract

Based on data of the three-channel hyperspectrometer designed for remote passive optical observations from a moving vessel at a frequency of 1 Hz, a distribution of areas of increased turbidity in the Kerch Strait was obtained. Comparison of these results with the analysis of temperature, salinity, and direction of water flow in depth measured at the stations, as well as with the flow system data made it possible to attribute various areas of the strait to the Azov Sea or the Black Sea water masses. It is shown that the penetration of the Azov Sea waters into the Black Sea at a relatively weak northeast wind proceeds in jets, in some places, the width of the jets themselves and the transition areas between them does not exceed several hundred meters. The different types of waters in the strait differ most strongly in the concentration of suspended matter which might be the result of the anthropogenic influence. Obtaining express information on the composition of waters based on complex measurements during vessel movement and at stations is important if it is necessary to assess the possible spread of polluting factors in the water area of the Kerch Strait and off the Black Sea coast.