Peculiarities of the Black Sea rim current near the Crimean coast

This paper discusses the quasi-stationary Black Sea rim current velocity field observed at seven points of the shelf area and continental slope in the vicinity of South Crimea from 6 June to 15 July, 1991. Current velocity fluctuations conditioned by the difference in atmospheric pressures over the eastern part of the sea and the western one, with the wind speed being 5 cm s⁻¹, have been studied. Inertial and seiche flows are described numerically. The peculiarities of the kinematics of the Black Sea rim current’s regular component have been scrutinized. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Temporal variability of the vertical thermal structure in the vicinity of South Crimea

On the basis of the experimental investigations conducted from an oceanographic tower, the variability of the structure of temperature profiles has been analysed. The paper provides a classification of the basis types of temperature profiles and determines their frequencies and duration in the annual cycle. Dynamics of the transition from one type of a temperature profile to another has been found to have synoptic scales. The variability of parameters during an occurrence of some typical profile have been assessed; it has been deduced that variations in profile shape are linked with fine structure effects of internal waves. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Features of wind waves at the southeastern coast of Sakhalin according to bottom-pressure measurements

The results of wind-wave measurements with bottom-pressure sensors are discussed. These measurements were performed at the southeastern coast of the Island of Sakhalin in 2006–2009. The problems of converting data obtained with these sensors into water-level displacent in the context of the linear theory are noted. Twenty records with a duration of 2 weeks to 3 months were obtained. These records contain from 150000 to 1200000 waves for three different observation points located at the southeastern coast of Sakhalin in the regions of the village of Vzmor’ye, Lake Izmenchivoye, and the Cape of Ostryi. The estimates obtained for wave-height distributions were approximated by the Weibull distribution. They were compared to the theoretical Rayleigh, Forristall, Weibull, and Glukhovskii distributions. As one would expect, in the region of small wave heights, all distributions prove to be close to one another, and, for large wave heights, the Weibull distribution is preferred.     

The structure of suspended matter in Lake Baikal according to the data of measurements of light scattering functions

By using light scattering functions measured in Lake Baikal, we compute the characteristics of suspended matter, such as the mass concentration and the number of particles of the mineral and biological fractions, their mean radius, and the parameter of dispersion of mineral particles. The data on the vertical distributions of the characteristics of suspended matter are obtained for various regions of the lake in the summer period. We compare the characteristics of suspended matter in the zones of upwelling and downwelling of waters in Lake Baikal and in the Indian Ocean, which reveals its identical specific composition in these waters.     

Seasonal variability of geostrophic currents in the Atlantic Ocean according to the altimetry data

The monthly average values of the anomalies of the ocean level (according to the satellite data for 1992–2002) and the annual average dynamic heights (hydrological data) are used to compute the seasonal cycle of geostrophic currents on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. It is shown that the west and east currents are intensified with a phase difference of several months. At the same time, their latitudinal displacements are quasisynchronous. A delay of the seasonal signal in the east-west direction of about 2–3 months (on the average) is typical of currents in the tropical zone of the Northern Hemisphere. On the contrary, in the South Atlantic, the seasonal signal propagates in the west-east direction and its phase delay can be as large as almost six months. __________ Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 3, pp. 60–71, May–June, 2006.     

Seasonal variability of mesoscale eddies in the Banda Sea inferred from altimeter data

Using the mesoscale eddy trajectory atlas product derived from satellite altimeter data from 1993 to 2016, this study analyzes statistical characteristics and seasonal variability of mesoscale eddies in the Banda Sea of the Indonesian seas. The results show that there were 147 mesoscale eddies that occurred in the Banda Sea, of which 137 eddies were locally generated and 10 originated from outside. The total numbers of cyclonic eddies(CEs,clockwise) and anticyclonic eddies(AEs, anticlockwise) ar...     

Spatio-temporal variability in sea surface wind stress near and off the east coast of Korea

Sea surface wind stress variabilities near and off the east coast of Korea, are examined using 7 kinds of wind datasets from measurements at 2 coastal (land) stations and 2 ocean buoys,satellite scatterometer (QuikSCAT), and global reanalyzed products (ECMWF,NOGAPS,and NCEP/NCAR). Temporal variabilities are analyzed at 3 frequency bands; synoptic (2-20 d), intra-seasonal (20-90 d),and seasonal (>90 d).Synoptic and intra-seasonal     

Structure and variability of current and water temperature fields near the Mascarene Ridge

An anticyclonic mesoscale eddy is found using the current and temperature data obtained at six moorings near the eastern foot of the Mascarene Ridge (Southern Hemisphere). Its spatial parameters radius, depth of penetration, and direction of the vertical axis tilt are given. The volume of water transported by the eddy across its radial section is calculated. Numerical characteristics of the spatial-temporal variability of the current and temperature field in the eddy are obtained. The relative contributions of the variability of mesoscale, tidal and inertial, and high-frequency oscillations are estimated.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Meteorologically-induced mesoscale variability of the North-western Alboran Sea (southern Spain) and related biological patterns

Hydrographic mesoscale structures in the North-western Alboran Sea show a high variability induced by a number of different factors. One of the most important is the differences in atmospheric pressure over the Mediterranean basin when compared to the Gulf of Cádiz. This difference modulates the zonal wind field in the Alboran Sea and the intensity of the Atlantic inflow through the Strait of Gibraltar, also affecting the formation and extension of the Western Alboran Gyre (WAG). When westerly winds are dominant, lower atmospheric pressure in the Mediterranean enhances the inflow of Atlantic waters causing the Atlantic Jet to be located in the vicinity of the Spanish shore, creating a well-defined frontal zone in front of Estepona Cove. In this situation, the coastal upwelling is enhanced, leading to a minimum in sea surface temperature and a maximum of surface nutrient concentrations located in the coastal area. The vertical position of the chlorophyll maximum found in these circumstances appeared to be controlled by the nutrient availability. On the other hand, when easterly winds prevail, higher atmospheric pressure in the Mediterranean leads to a reduced inflow and the oceanographic and biological structures are clearly different. The Atlantic Jet moves southward flowing in a south-eastern direction, changing the structure of the currents, resulting in an enhanced cyclonic circulation extending throughout the North-western Alboran Sea basin. These physical alterations also induce changes in the distribution of biogeochemical variables. Maximum nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations are located further off the coast in the central area of the newly created cyclonic gyre. During these easterlies periods coastal upwelling stops and the distribution of phytoplankton cells seems to be mainly controlled by physical processes such as advection of coastal waters to the open sea.     

长江口海域潮汐和潮流的观测研究

长江口邻近海域具有显著的强潮特征,除近岸海域外,离岸海域缺乏长期实测的潮汐潮流资料.本文分析了长时间序列的水位观测资料,结果显示长江口海域的潮汐类型属于正规半日潮,近岸海域浅水分潮显著;M2分潮是最显著的半日分潮,振幅具有从东面开阔海域向西面杭州湾口浅水海域或岛群增加的趋势.剖面海流观测资料表明本海域的潮流类型为正规半...     

Structure of the mesoscale variability of the troposphere and stratosphere found from radio refraction measurements via CHAMP satellites

Data of an experiment on radio occultation sounding of the atmosphere with the use of GPS signals were used to obtain global distributions of the variances of mesoscale variations in the refractive index in the troposphere and stratosphere. The experiment was carried out with the CHAMP satellite during the period 2001–2005. Measured vertical profiles were smoothed inside 5–10-km-thick layers centered at different altitudes in the troposphere and stratosphere with the use of second-degree polynomials. Deviations from the smoothed quantities and the corresponding variances were obtained for each profile and averaged for each month during the analyzed interval of the CHAMP experiment. Altitude-longitude-latitude inhomogeneities in the distribution of refractive index variances were analyzed. Altitude and latitude distributions of maxima and minima of refractive index variances depend on altitude and season. Turbulence and acoustic gravity waves can be the causes of small-scale and mesoscale variations in the refractive index of the troposphere and stratosphere. The variances of variations in the refractive index are greater in the regions of tropospheric jet streams and in the zones of near-equatorial deep convection. Atmospheric disturbances increase over mountain systems.     

Specific features of the variability of atmospheric processes and hydrophysical fields near the west and southwest coasts of Crimea on time scales from interdiurnal to long-term

We present the results of analysis of the variability of hydrometeorological and hydrophysical fields near the west and southwest coasts of Crimea on scales varying from 1–100 days to 1–11 yr according to the data of long-term routine (4–8 h) observations performed at the coastal marine hydrometeorological stations. New methods of filtration and spectral analysis are used to reveal the characteristic time scales of variability including the quasiperiodic and periodic components and study the physical processes responsible for the indicated variability. Special attention is given to the analysis of correlation between the periodic variability of the fields in the atmosphere and in the coastal zone on different time scales. __________ Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 1, pp. 22–36, January–February, 2006.     

The structure of the tidal mixing front in the region of Shantar Islands (Sea of Okhotsk) according to data of satellite observations

The location and seasonal variability of the tidal mixing front in the region of Shantar Islands are studied based on an analysis of satellite data. The Shantar tidal mixing front is related to the main features of the oceanographic structure of the northwestern shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk in summer. This front separates the coastal waters mixed by tidal currents and the stratified part of the shelf. The temperature tidal mixing front forms in July after the melting ice cover and disappears in the end of October when the stratification is broken. The mean position of the front changes insignificantly and is determined by the critical value of the Simpson-Hunter parameter (logh/u ₃ = 2.5); the front is located over the isobath of 50 m. The temperature tidal mixing front corresponds to the front in the distribution of chlorophyll a determined from SeaWiFS and MODIS satellite imagery. High (when compared to the stratified part of the shelf) concentrations of chlorophyll a were observed within the zone of intense tidal mixing. Satellite images in the IR range of the spectrum (Landsat-5 TM) demonstrated that the front is dynamically unstable. Mixing effects connected with frontal submesoscale baroclinic eddies have an influence on the structure of the stratified part of the shelf.     

Space and time variations in the fine structure of the upper atmosphere according to acoustic sounding data

The results of studying variations in the fine layered structure of the upper atmosphere (heights of 20–140 km) according to data obtained from acoustic sounding within the range of infrasonic waves are given. The sources of infrasounds were surface explosions equivalent to 10 kg to 70 t of TNT. These explosions were set off in different seasons in different regions of Russia. Experimental data obtained in 1981–2011 have been analyzed. It has been found that the fine structure in the form of vertically distributed layered formations occurs in the upper atmosphere in all seasons. Moreover, the vertical distribution of both air-temperature and wind-velocity inhomogeneities in the upper atmosphere may be invariable over a time interval of no less than several hours. It has also been found that, throughout the entire atmospheric thickness from the stratopause to the lower thermosphere heights (up to 140 km), the instantaneous height distribution of layered air-temperature and wind-velocity inhomogeneities may remain almost unchanged during a time interval of no less than 20 min.     

Hydrological structure of waters of the persian gulf according to the data of observations in 1992

We describe the hydrological structure of waters of the Persian Gulf and its seasonal variability according to the data of CTD surveys carried out in February–June 1992 in the course of the cruises of the NOAA R/VMt. Mitchell aimed at the analysis of the consequences of the ecological catastrophe caused by the spread of oil spots formed as a result of war operations in the Persian Gulf in 1991. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Genesis of the lithosphere of the Iceland region (North Atlantic) according to geophysical data

The geothermal and geomagnetic data on the Iceland region are mapped. On the basis of the analysis of geological, tectonic, geothermal, and geomagnetic data and on the information on the age and character of the volcanism at the European and Greenland rifting margins, the principal evolution stages of the Iceland region are substantiated. The modeling estimation of the rates of thermal subsidence of the Reykjanes and Kolbeinsey ridges and of the Greenland-Iceland and Iceland-Faeroes sills shows their more than 20% difference. The different rates of thermal subsidence of the structures are caused by various effects of hot matter of the mantle plume, its volume, and the different genesis of the lithosphere. The formation of the lithosphere of Iceland Island, besides the plate and plume tectonics, involved the thermophysical processes of the transformation of the lithosphere of continental genesis. This is confirmed by the analysis of the spreading rates, basalt age, and the data of the geochemical and isotope studies of volcanic rocks. The numerical modeling performed points to the presence of an additional heat source related to the plume hot matter in the Iceland region (Iceland Island, 30 mW/m²; the Reykjanes and Kolbeinsey ridges, 15 mW/m²), which conforms to the data of magnetotelluric geochemical studies.     

Optical characteristics of coastal waters and atmosphere near the south coast of the crimea at the end of summer 2008

We present the results of measurements of optical characteristics of waters (the beam attenuation coefficient, volume scattering function, sea water reflectance, and Secchi depth) and optical characteristics of the atmosphere (aerosol optical thickness, content of vapors, and the ?ngstr?m exponent) carried out in September 2008 on the oceanographic platform near Katsiveli. We carried out the comparative analysis of hydrooptical characteristics measured in various years. The optical type of sea waters in the period of observations is determined.     

Seasonal and interannual variations of the field of sea-surface temperature in the southwest Atlantic according to the data of satellite and contact measurements

We study the seasonal and interannual variations of the field of sea-surface temperature (SST) in the Southwest Atlantic on the basis of the analysis of three data arrays, namely, the Levitus-Boyer-1994 hydrological array, the WOD-98 actual database, and the data of satellite measurements of SST. We perform the comparative analysis of the amplitude-phase characteristics of the annual course of the SST field and discuss the distinctive features of its seasonal and interannual variations. It is shown that the results obtained by using different data arrays are in good agreement. The values of the coefficient of linear correlation are equal to 0.7–0.9. It is discovered that the maximum seasonal variations of SST are observed in the zone of confluence of the Falkland and Brasil Currents in the vicinities of the South Subtropical and Antarctic Polar fronts. The minimum seasonal variations are recorded in the Antarctic region and in the Weddell Sea. The satellite data demonstrate that the level of interannual variability is high in the zones of climatic fronts. __________ Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 5, pp. 62–76, September–October, 2006.     

Mesoscale variability along the east coast of India in spring as revealed from satellite data and OGCM simulations

Since mesoscale features like meanders have great importance in nourishing the coastal fisheries, satellite data analyses and a numerical modeling study were carried out for the east coast of India during spring inter-monsoon time (March-May), when biological productivity is high. During this time, the East India Coastal Current (EICC) system appears as a northward flowing western boundary current of a seasonal subtropical gyre in the Bay of Bengal prior to the summer monsoon with a more intense upwelling in the coastal region. A relatively clear sky permits satellite remote sensing of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), whose patterns were verified against geostrophic velocity in altimeter data: i.e., phytoplankton grows in colder and nutrient richer water bounded by the seaward meanders. Progression of meanders in the coastal current was revealed and compared with an eddy-resolving Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM), which is capable of modeling wind-driven general circulation and each stage of the meander growth. The numerical solutions provided the following results, in reasonable agreement with the linear stability theory using a two-and-a-half layer quasi-geostrophic model. Baroclinic instability plays a key role for the meander growth and eddy generation, while meanders in the coastal current are initiated by isolated mesoscale rotations propagating westward. The baroclinically unstable meanders have a wavelength of 500∼700 km, grow in one month and propagate downstream of the coastal current at several kilometers per day. The instability is not strong enough for the meanders to detach an eddy from the western boundary current.