I. Vilibic et N. Leder, LONG-TERM VARIATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN-SEA LEVEL CALCULATED BY SPECTRAL-ANALYSIS, Oceanologica acta, 19(6), 1996, pp. 599-607
The aim of this paper is to investigate long-period climatic variation
s in the Mediterranean sea level, as well as some meteorological param
eters and the influence of atmospheric forcing on sea-level fluctuatio
ns. Data for the annual mean sea level at seven stations (Trieste, Gen
oa, Marseilles, Alicante, Oran, La Goulette and Sfax), located in the
Western Mediterranean, together with mean air pressure and temperature
data for Zagreb, have been spectrally analysed. Various peaks in the
power, coherence and phase spectra have been detected. The period of a
bout 5.1 years corresponds to the quasi-meridional fluctuation in the
paths of Atlantic cyclones. The period of about 2.7 years may be excit
ed by variations of currents and sea-surface temperature in the North
Atlantic. Peaks at periods of 3.0 and 3.5 years show oscillations of s
econdary cyclones over the Gulf of Genoa bay and the Adriatic Sea. A q
uasi-biennial oscillation has been detected with a period of 2.15 to 2
.25 years. Enlarged amounts of energies at 7.5 to 8 and 11.2 years may
correspond to the polar tide and solar cycle oscillation, respectivel
y.