2011 Research Programmes of the HCMR - Hellenic Centre for ...

MedEx will geographically "zoom" over theses areas and scientifically focus on the changing interbasin
exchange processes impacting the ecosystems. MedEX will complement existing knowledge
on local ecosystem dynamics, especially in what concerns the processes that are on direct
dependency on the exchange between the Mediterranean and adjacent seas (the north Atlantic and
the Black Sea). MedEX will bring together scientists from the two ends of the Mediterranean with
a large experience in the various aspects of the oceanography of the Gulf of Cadiz, Alboran and
North Aegean Seas. MedEX consortium will have a broad disciplinary scope to form a network
dedicated to the problem of inflow/outflow through the straits of Gibraltar and Dardanelles, and its
consequences on the local oceanography.
MedEX will concentrate on process-oriented studies both at the observational and modelling levels,
in order to assess in detail the relation between the large-scale forcing factors and the exchange
processes. It will estimate the main trends in the Inter-basin exchange in the last decades, and
predict future tendencies. MedEX will estimate how the local ecosystems will evolve with
changing inflow/outflow processes.
MedEX will consolidate existing knowledge about the local ecosystems in the form of regional
modelling systems as tools for research, description and prediction of local ecosystem changes.
Different models of increasing complexity will be adapted or tuned in each region, in order to
capture the essential of the strait physics as well as to describe the local pelagic ecosystems
structure and functioning. The model skill to reproduce recent (documented) exchange evolution
will be assessed by validation with high resolution strait exchange data.
MedEX will put the emphasis on higher frequency/smaller scale processes, and evaluate the
sensitivity of regional and ecological models to detail in the resolution of the strait physics. This
way MedEX will contribute to larger international initiatives aiming at the Mediterranean basin
scale, by assessing the skill and predictability issues of models not resolving shorter and higher
frequency processes.
MedEx will also provide a framework for exchange of knowledge and experience between
modelers and experimentalists from the two edges of the Mediterranean Sea. A number of new
collaborations will start in the frame of MedEX, like those envisioned for model coupling
(atmosphere-ocean-ecosystem), analysis of higher resolution strait processes (Dardenelles and
Gibraltar), data-model validation, among others. MedEX will contribute to student training, by
facilitating interchange of future scientists between the different partners and contributing to a
summer school.
Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant
(PHASE D) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ∆΄ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 802)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki (deputy coordinator)
Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP)
Duration: 18 months (01/11/09-30/04/11)
Total Budget: 429.685 €
Study Area:
Inner Saronikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Dr Ch. Kontoyiannis, Dr A.
Pavlidou, Dr A. Giannakourou, Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr E. Kaberi, Dr K. Pagou, Dr E. Christou, Dr I.
Siokou (till 17/10/11), Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Zenetou, Dr N. Symboura, Dr M.A. Pancoucci, Dr
N. Streftaris, Dr S. Psarra, Dr A. Banks, R. Psyllidou, Dr M. Salomidi, G. Asimakopoulou, E.
Rouselaki, Th. Morfis, P. Renieris, P. Zahioti, M. Anthoula, I. Georgakakis, K. Charalambous, A.
Androni, S. Iliakis, N. Kouerinis, A. Konstantinopoulou, Th. Zoulias, K. Tsiamis, G. Arvanitakis.
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