Generation of long barotropic waves by moving baric disturbances in a system of basins connected by a channel

We consider long barotropic waves in a system of two rectangular basins connected by a channel in the case where waves are generated by the moving region of disturbances of atmospheric pressure passing above one of the basins. By using a numerical model, we compute the characteristics of the wave process for various values of the parameters of this system. The results of numerical calculations are compared with the corresponding characteristics obtained for the case of a closed basin. We also analyze the distinctive features of long-wave processes induced in the presence of the channel. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Bottom boundary layer in the Black Sea: Basic results and prospects of investigations

We discuss the current state of the problem of experimental investigation of the bottom boundary layer of the Black Sea and present the data on a new measuring complex (designed and constructed at the Marine Hydrophysical Institute and called the OLT-D profilometer of the bottom layer) together with some results of its application. On the basis of the analysis of the data on the distributions of geothermal fluxes and parameters of the bottom boundary layer in the deep-water part of the sea, we deduce and justify the relations for the evaluation of the critical thickness of the bottom boundary layer as a function of the intensities of geothermal fluxes. It is shown that the numerical results are in good agreement with the data of direct measurements of the thickness of the bottom boundary layer. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

North Brazil current: vertical structure

On the basis of the data ofin situ measurements of the velocities of currents and basic hydrophysical parameters (such as temperature and salinity) carried out during Cruise 41 of the R/VAkademik Vernadsky, we analyze the structure of the North Brazil Current near the continental slope and in the equatorial abyssal part of the ocean in winter, establish the regularities of changes in the current velocity with depth, and compare the structures of the North Brazil and Guiana Currents. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Evaluation of drift current parameters using an analytical model

The paper is concerned with the evaluation of the drift current parameters derived through the use of an analytical model. In this model, effective when stratification is stable and indifferent, the vertical turbulence coefficient profile is prescribed by the power function, and hydrodynamic quantities are prescribed using the external parameters of the problem (wind stress, the Coriolis parameter, and the dimensionless stratification parameter). Model data are compared with the observations of the upper mixed layer in the vicinity of the oceanic Station C, conducted during one year. It is shown that, under the spring-summer-time warming conditions, the model at issue is capable of adequately simulating the upper ocean layer dynamics. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Potential of the regional centre for reception and treatment of satellite data

In application to the Crimean regional centre for satellite data reception, treatment, and dissemination, we have identified the earth’s satellite-surveyed areas, with orbital heights (H) ranging from 650 to 750 km. This paper shows that for the Ukrainian territory and the Sea of Azov-Black Sea environment to be monitored, the regional centre’s receiving station must be capable of receiving radar signals from a range of about 1500 km. For typical high-speed radio lines, this may be achieved through the use of a satellite data-receiving station, with the antenna’s diameter being about 3 m. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

A simplified model for the transformation of the atmospheric planetary boundary layer overlying a thermal front in the sea

This paper discusses a simplified model for the evolution of the atmospheric planetary boundary layer overlying a thermal front in the sea. The model provides local values of the friction/heat transfer geostrophic coefficients and the direction of surface wind stress, as well as the wind/temperature profiles at any point on the front. With the running over a warm front, the baroclinicity of the internal boundary layer leads to the generation of a near-surface current of air directed down the front. The model can be used to interpret radar imagery of the sea surface with the purpose of determining its mesoscale variability. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

About the relationship between acoustic fields and hydrological fields in the area of a mesoscale eddy in the Black Sea

This paper discusses the application of acoustic sounding with the purpose of identifying vortical features in the sea. Analysis of the results of a multidisciplinary acoustic/hydrological experiment conducted in the Black Sea has revealed a stable recurrent correlation between the amplitudinal variance of echo signals, on the one hand, and the peculiarities of water temperature fields, on the other. Given these characteristics, the peripheral and the central areas of a mesoscale eddy essentially differed. This allows us to apply acoustic sounding to identify mesoscale eddies in the sea. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.