The dynamics of the Sicily Strait: a comprehensive study from observations and models

Abstract The dynamics of the Sicily Strait are investigated in a comprehensive study using recent in situ observations, Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM) simulations and process model results. In particular, results of a very high-resolution Mediterranean model (MED16) developed in the context of the Mercator project are described. The circulation in the Sicily Strait can be described as a two-layer exchange of Atlantic Water (AW) and Eastern Mediterranean Outflow Water (EOW). The Algerian Current brings AW (the upper layer) eastwards and splits into two branches at the entrance to the Sicily Strait, one flowing to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the other into the Sicily Strait. The later is composed of two streams, referred to as the Atlantic Ionian Stream (AIS) and the Atlantic Tunisian Current (ATC). In winter, the ATC signature is more pronounced. In summer, the AIS is associated with a number of well-known semi-permanent features including the intermittent northward extension of the AIS (called NAIS) at the Ionian shelf break, which seems to be driven by the surface density contrast between waters of the Sicilian and the Ionian basins. New intermittent patterns are shown by the MED16 simulations, for example an anticyclonic eddy (called MCA) south of the Malta Channel and an anticyclonic gyre associated to the NAIS (called NAISA). Upwelling is well developed in August, with temperature lower than 24°C along the western and southern coasts of Sicily. The seasonal transport of the AW through the strait has a maximum value (1.4 Sv ) in winter, and a minimum value at the end of summer (0.8 Sv ) . In the lower layer, at the exit of the Sicily Strait, the EOW, mainly composed of Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW), outflows into the Tyrrhenian Sea and veers to the right. Then, as well known, the LIW flows along the northern coast of Sicily before reaching the Sardinia Channel. A new LIW path from the Sicily Strait towards the Sardinia Channel is shown by the MED16 model, and is due to intermediate eddy shedding at the exit of the Sicily Strait. The topography of the sill in the Sicily Strait plays a major role in the circulation. A combination of barotropic/baroclinic double Kelvin waves on both side of the sill provides a mechanism, for splitting the Algerian Current.