Sea surface transport in the Western Mediterranean Sea: A Lagrangian perspective

Abstract

[2] We study the sea surface transport in the Western Mediterranean Sea from a Lagrangian point of view, in particular the Alboran and the North-Western subbasins. The study is carried out through the analysis of 3 years of surface velocity model data through Finite Size Lyapunov Exponents, Residence Time, and virtual particle trajectories complementing the classical Eulerian approach. The spatiotemporal variability of the main transport processes is inferred from the Empirical Orthogonal Function modes of the Lyapunov Exponents, being the most relevant modes discussed and physically interpreted. Results indicate that some of the variability in the surface transport patterns in the Western Mediterranean can be explained by specific modes which provide an indication of connectivity among subbasins, like the inflow of Atlantic waters through the Ibiza Channel.

Genetic differentiation among Parastichopus regalis populations from Western Mediterranean Sea: potential effects of its fishery and current connectivity.

“…Thus, our data demonstrated the existence of gene flow barriers among the studied locations, which could be represented by hydrological (eddies and currents), bathymetrical (different depths and slopes influencing the continuity of the habitat for our target species) or environmental factors (temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll). In particular, the current and temperature patterns in the studied area seemed to be in accordance with the genetic differentiation pattern detected among our P. regalis populations, especially the differentiation among AB and CG + CF populations and the connectivity between AB and AL (Renault et al, 2012;Sayol et al, 2013; http://www.socib.eu/?seccion=modelling). The West Alboran gyre close to the AB locality is separated from (or shows only few connections to) the East Alboran gyre close to the CG + CF locality.…”

SOCIB operational ocean forecasting system and multi-platform validation in the Western Mediterranean Sea

“…Based on this assessment, sensitivity tests are continuously carried out to improve the WMOP ocean forecasting system. Additionally, hindcast simulations are performed, evaluated through comparisons with historical observations and used for scientific studies (Bouffard et al 2012;Renault et al 2012;Juza et al 2013Juza et al , 2015Sayol et al 2013), which also support the improvement of WMOP.…”

The MEDESS-GIB database: tracking the Atlantic water inflow

“…However, little work has been carried out from a Lagrangian perspective (Sayol et al, 2013). To our knowledge, the first reported Lagrangian experiments using a few surface and deep floats were reported by Gascard and Richez (1985) during the MEDIPROD cruises, including some references to previous experiments back to the 1970s.…”

“…Further east, the Almeria-Oran front separates two water masses (the recent fresh Atlantic water and the saltier Mediterranean water), impinging on the African coast and leading the flow of recent Atlantic waters to progress eastwards, establishing the so-called Algerian Current, which flows eastwards mainly along the African coast. Although less frequent, new Atlantic waters have also been detected entering through the Ibiza Channel northwards (Sayol et al, 2013). Moreover, strong tidal effects at the entrance of the Strait together with the wind effect (mainly westerlies and easterlies) configure a very complex picture of the surface currents which has always been a challenging issue for modeling purposes.…”