Hydrodynamic modelling of the Mediterranean western basin

Objective

EUROMODEL is a research project whose objective is to
describe, understand, and simulate the circulation in the
Western Mediterranean with particular emphasis on the seasonal and mesoscale variabilities. Synergy between observations (in situ and satellite), theoretical, physical, and numerical
models will be systematically employed. The aim of EUROMODEL is to provide companion disciplines and environmental
management with reliable data and models.

During a first phase (MAST-CT90-0043-C), attention was devoted to process studies (deep water formation, transport through
straits, energetics of the Algerian current) and to mesoscale variability in relation to the general circulation. EUROMODEL II will carry on global basin, regional and process studies in both modelling and in situ experiments.

The basin scale circulation will be simulated using LODYC and GHER ocean general circulation models. The surface forcing
will be obtained from a meteorological model-assimilated data set (PERIDOT output). In conjunction with the PRIMO
experiment, in situ basin scale experiments will monitor the transport through the straits to provide the models with
realistic lateral boundary conditions. The seasonal
variability of the basin scale circulation will be extensively investigated, as well as heat and salt budgets.

Mesoscale variability could strongly influence and even
dominate the general circulation in regional basins. In order to apprehend the physical mechanisms involved in mesoscale
circulation, in situ, numerical and laboratory experiments
will be conducted in a number of regions (the Balearic and
Alboran Seas, the Algerian basin and the Sardinia Channel) to apprehend the physical mechanisms involved in mesoscale
circulation. In situ observations will be complemented with
remote sensing data (altimeter, AVHRR, scatterometer, SAR,
CZCS). The path and the instabilities of intermediate waters in the Western Mediterranean and in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Strait of Gibraltar will be investigated, as well as the upper ocean mesoscale variability and its implication to downward energy propagation.

Advanced research in model-based data assimilation will be
initiated to synthesize the different sources of information, providing a coherent representation of the circulation.

Programme(s)

• FP3-MAST 2 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of marine science and technology, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 0501 - The Mediterranean project

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Cabinet d'Etudes Techniques Industrielles et d'Innovations Scientifiques SA

Address

30,Avenue Malacrida
13100 Aix-en-provence
France

Participants (5)

INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO

Portugal

Address

1,Avenida Rovisco Pais 1
1049-001 Lisboa

UNIVERSITAT DE LES ILLES BALEARS

Spain

Address

Km 7.5,Ctra. De Valldemossa Km 7.5
07071 Palma De Mallorca

UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS VI

France

Address

Place Jussieu 4
75252 Paris

Université de Grenoble I (Université Joseph Fourier)

France

Address

Domaine Universitaire
38041 Grenoble

Université de Liège

Belgium

Address

Sart Tilman
4000 Sart-tilman - Liège