Internal waves revealed by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery in the vicinity of the eastern Cretan Arc Straits (Eastern Mediterranean)

Internal waves have been detected on ERS-1 SAR images obtained during late summer over the eastern Cretan Straits, an area characterised by complex regional physiography, bottom topography, flow regime and stratification patterns of the upper part of the water column. Analysis of the imaged characteristics of the internal waves has revealed a strong diversity in form, propagation direction and type of sea surface modulation, which indicates various mechanisms of generation. Analysis of the currents recorded over the area shows that, although semi-diurnal tidal currents are present, these are of low magnitude in comparison with the overall flow and, therefore, tidal forcing is unlikely to be a major process in the generation of the imaged internal waves. In addition, a well-defined front has been identified within the Rhodes Strait. This front is considered to be the surficial manifestation of the Asia Minor Current, which is a strong and persistent large-scale circulation feature of the Eastern Mediterranean.