The sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the South China Sea (SCS) and their influences on global atmospheric circulation were studied. The results of the simple atmospheric model suggested that the SCS SST anomalies can induce several barotropic wave trains from the SCS to other regions. The baroclinic stream function anomalies from the simple model showed an anticyclonic vortex pair and a cyclonic vortex pair.

Automated measurement systems called FerryBox are installed on cargo ships in the North Sea. Operational model forecasts have been compared to FerryBox data of water temperature and salinity. We wanted to know how well the simulations agree with the observations. We found out that water temperature simulation gives satisfying results, while salinity simulation still could be improved. It turned out that assimilation of observational data into operational models gives strong benefits.

The IEO-RADMED monitoring program is already conducting many of the evaluations required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MFSD) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The different aspects of the ecosystem that are regularly sampled under this monitoring program are the physical environment and the chemical and biological variables of the water column, together with the planktonic communities, biomass and structure.

Sea surface temperature and turbidity, derived from satellite imagery, were used to characterize river plumes in the northern Adriatic Sea during a significant flood event in November 2014. Circulation patterns and sea surface salinity, from an operational coupled ocean-wave model, supported the interpretation of the plumes' interaction with the receiving waters and among them.

In this paper, we provide a detailed description of basic sea surface circulation features in the Ebro River delta (NW Mediterranean) as derived from reliable high-frequency radar surface current measurements. An integrated quality control approach has been applied to ensure the acquisition of accurate radar data, which remains a priority for the research community. This work should be of interest to readers in the areas of operational oceanography and also to a broad community of end-users.

We assess benzalkonium chloride (BAC) as alternative to mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for preservation of seawater samples. BAC concentrations of 50mg dm–3 inhibited microbial activity for at least 3 days in samples tested with chlorophyll a concentrations up to 1mg m–3. With fewer risks to health and environment, and lower waste disposal costs, BAC could be a short-term alternative to HgCl2, but cannot replace it for oxygen triple isotope samples, which require storage over weeks to months.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a key mechanism for large-scale northward heat transport and plays an important role for global climate. Previously, AMOC changes have been inferred from in situ ocean bottom pressure (OBP) observations at single latitudes. We extend the analysis to space-based observations (and the whole North Atlantic) and show on data from the ECCO2 model that AMOC anomalies can be inferred from OBP at a resolution resembling the GRACE gravity mission.

Helium isotopes are a powerful tool in Earth sciences. We present the first simulation of the terrigenic helium isotope distribution in the whole Mediterranean Sea, using a high-resolution model (NEMO-MED12). In addition to providing constraints on helium isotope degassing fluxes in the Mediterranean, our simulations provide information on the ventilation of the deep Mediterranean waters, which are useful for assessing NEMO-MED12 performance.