The hydrodynamics of the Western Mediterranean sea

Objective

Euromodel will carry on global basin, regional and process
studies in both modelling and in situ experiments, with
particular emphasis on the seasonal and mesoscale
variabilities. Synergy between observations (in situ and
satellite), theoretical, physical and numerical models will be systematically used.

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

The mesoscale variability could strongly influence, and even dominate the general circulation in regional basins. 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 the 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 the Eastern Atlantic Ocean in front of the Strait of Gibraltar, as well as upper ocean mesoscale
variability and its implication to downward energy propagation will be investigated.

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

As a preliminary phase to the development of models suitable for environmental purposes, a bio-hydrodynamic model will be set up through primary productivity studies.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › aerospace engineering › satellite technology
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › remote sensing
• social sciences › economics and business › economics › production economics › productivity

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

Call for proposal

Data not available

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 (8)

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Spain

Address

S/n,passeig Joan De Borbo S/n
08039 Barcelona

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

Italy

Address

19100 La Spezia

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 DE LA MEDITERRANEE D'AIX-MARSEILLE II

France

Address

Rue De La Batterie Des Lions
13007 Marseille

UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIER - GRENOBLE 1

France

Address

Rue De La Piscine 1025, Domaine Universitaire
38041 Grenoble

UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS VI

France

Address

Place Jussieu 4
75252 Paris

Université de Liège

Belgium

Address

Sart Tilman
4000 Sart-tilman - Liège