WATER-LEVEL VARIATIONS IN THE NORTHERN LEVANTINE SEA

Characteristics of water level variations in the northern Levantine Se a have been investigated by reference to a sequence of hourly water le vel observations at Antalya and Iskenderun. Long and short period osci llations of non-tidal origin have been identified. Long-period oscilla tions (several days) correspond to variations in barometric pressure; the short-period oscillations (2.8 to 4.6 hours) can be attributed to seiche-like motions. The tidal oscillations are small in amplitude, wi th a spring range of 21 and 41 cm in Antalya and Iskenderun respective ly. Tidal oscillations are dominated by semi-diurnal constituents. The seasonal fluctuations of monthly mean sea level show two maxima and t wo minima; the major minimum occurs in March and is followed by a majo r maximum in August. The maximum range between extremes is 17.3 cm for the average monthly mean sea level.