The last 30-year thermohaline variability in the ... - Medclivar

Why the Mediterranean Sea?????
• Since the beginning of the 20th century and up to late 80s the
Mediterranean was considered as an almost “steady steady state” state basin, with
some small scale variability and trends in T and S in the IW and DW.
• Furthermore, since the ‘90s 90s abrupt changes occurred so that the
Mediterranean is at present in a transitional state. Both long-term long term and
abrupt temperature and salinity changes affected the thermohaline
thermohaline
circulation of the entire basin.
• The Oceans play crucial role in modifying the climate. (i.e. Air-Sea Air Sea
interaction processes in the N. Atlantic influence the climate of of
Europe.)
• The Global importance of the Mediterranean is defined by its impact impact
on the Atlantic Thermohaline Circulation (Polar Convection Cells). Cells).
High salinity tongues and Meddies extend westward and northward
from Gibraltar in the intermediate and deep waters of the Atlantic Atlantic
Ocean. This salty water of Mediterranean origin may affect processes processes
and variability and even the stability of the thermohaline equilibrium equilibrium
state.
Tel Aviv, ISRAEL
MedCLIVAR workshop
19-20 19 20 September 2011