NORTHERN AEGEAN WATER MASSES

Water masses characteristics of the northern Aegean Sea were investiga ted based upon historical Nansen cast data. Cyclonic surface circulati on carries Black Sea water towards the west, and it then follows a sou th-south-westerly route. Less saline surface water of the Black Sea or igin was observed in the western part of the area. The source of inter mediate water was identified by slightly elevated salinity located in the south and south-eastern parts of the region. Intermediate water tr ansport towards the north and north-west. may possibly compensate for south-bound surface water transport. Deep water with high oxygen conte nt is formed in the Kavala, Kassandra and Saros Gulfs of the northern basin. (C) 1995 Academic Press Limited