CIRCULATION AND DYNAMICS OF THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN-SEA - QUASI-SYNOPTIC DATA-DRIVEN SIMULATIONS

Three nearly synoptic hydrographic data sets, sampled on a fine genera l circulation grid, are assimilated into a quasigeostrophic model to p rovide absolute flow from hydrographic data plus dynamics. Dynamically adjusted fields are obtained throughout the water column after about 2 weeks of model integration, and data gaps are dynamically interpolat ed. Simulations of 45 day duration performed for both the Levantine an d the full Eastern Mediterranean basins indicate the robustness and st ability of the sub-basin scale general circulation features and provid e fields for investigating the relative importance of internal dynamic al processes and external forcings. The effects of topography are esse ntial for the vorticity balance and the maintenance of the features. M esoscale meandering and oscillations occur, and rings can form. During periods of 1-2 months direct wind forcing is relatively unimportant b ut evolutionary tendencies are identified.