Articles | Volume 21, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1441-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1441-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Surface saline lakes in the Mediterranean Sea
Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Clara Gardiol
SeaTech, Ecole d'ingénieurs – Université de Toulon, Toulon, France
Ivica Vilibić
Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Split, Croatia
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Paolo Lazzari, Stefano Salon, Elena Terzić, Watson W. Gregg, Fabrizio D'Ortenzio, Vincenzo Vellucci, Emanuele Organelli, and David Antoine
Ocean Sci., 17, 675–697, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-675-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-675-2021, 2021
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Multispectral optical sensors and models are increasingly adopted to study marine systems. In this work, bio-optical mooring and biogeochemical Argo float optical observations are combined with the Ocean-Atmosphere Spectral Irradiance Model (OASIM) to analyse the variability of sunlight at the sea surface. We show that the model skill in simulating data varies according to the wavelength of light and temporal scale considered and that it is significantly affected by cloud dynamics.
Elena Terzić, Arnau Miró, Paolo Lazzari, Emanuele Organelli, and Fabrizio D'Ortenzio
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-473, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-473, 2021
Preprint withdrawn
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This study integrates numerical simulations (using a multi-spectral optical model) with in-situ measurements of floats and remotely sensed observations from satellites. It aims at improving our current understanding of the impact that different constituents (such as pure water, colored dissolved organic matter, detritus and phytoplankton) have on the in-water light propagation.
Elena Terzić, Paolo Lazzari, Emanuele Organelli, Cosimo Solidoro, Stefano Salon, Fabrizio D'Ortenzio, and Pascal Conan
Biogeosciences, 16, 2527–2542, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2527-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2527-2019, 2019
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Measuring ecosystem properties in the ocean is a hard business. Recent availability of data from Biogeochemical-Argo floats can help make this task easier. Numerical models can integrate these new data in a coherent picture and can be used to investigate the functioning of ecosystem processes. Our new approach merges experimental information and model capabilities to quantitatively demonstrate the importance of light and water vertical mixing for algae dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea.
Davide Bonaldo, Sandro Carniel, Renato R. Colucci, Cléa Denamiel, Petra Pranić, Fabio Raicich, Antonio Ricchi, Lorenzo Sangelantoni, Ivica Vilibić, and Maria Letizia Vitelletti
Ocean Sci., 21, 1003–1031, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1003-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1003-2025, 2025
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We present a high-resolution modelling effort to investigate the possible end-of-century evolution of the main physical processes in the Adriatic Sea in a severe climate change scenario, with an ensemble approach (i.e. use of multiple simulations) allowing us to control the uncertainty of the predictions. Our model exhibits a satisfactory capability to reproduce the recent past and provides a basis for a set of multidisciplinary studies in this area over a multi-decadal horizon.
Petra Pranić, Cléa Denamiel, Ivica Janeković, and Ivica Vilibić
Ocean Sci., 19, 649–670, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-649-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-649-2023, 2023
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In this study, we analyse and compare the results of four different approaches in modelling bora-driven dense-water dynamics in the Adriatic. The study investigated the likely requirements for modelling the ocean circulation in the Adriatic and found that a 31-year run of a fine-resolution Adriatic climate model is able to outperform most aspects of the newest reanalysis product, a short-term hindcast and data-assimilated simulation, in reproducing the dense-water dynamics in the Adriatic Sea.
Cléa Denamiel and Ivica Vilibić
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-913, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-913, 2023
Preprint archived
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We present a new methodology using coupled atmosphere-ocean-wave models and demonstrate the feasibility to provide meter scale assessments of the impact of climate change on storm surge hazards. We show that sea level variations and distributions can be derived at the climate scale in the Adriatic Sea small lagoons and bays. We expect that the newly developed methodology could lead to more targeted adaptation strategies in regions of the world vulnerable to atmospherically driven extreme events.
Begoña Pérez Gómez, Ivica Vilibić, Jadranka Šepić, Iva Međugorac, Matjaž Ličer, Laurent Testut, Claire Fraboul, Marta Marcos, Hassen Abdellaoui, Enrique Álvarez Fanjul, Darko Barbalić, Benjamín Casas, Antonio Castaño-Tierno, Srđan Čupić, Aldo Drago, María Angeles Fraile, Daniele A. Galliano, Adam Gauci, Branislav Gloginja, Víctor Martín Guijarro, Maja Jeromel, Marcos Larrad Revuelto, Ayah Lazar, Ibrahim Haktan Keskin, Igor Medvedev, Abdelkader Menassri, Mohamed Aïssa Meslem, Hrvoje Mihanović, Sara Morucci, Dragos Niculescu, José Manuel Quijano de Benito, Josep Pascual, Atanas Palazov, Marco Picone, Fabio Raicich, Mohamed Said, Jordi Salat, Erdinc Sezen, Mehmet Simav, Georgios Sylaios, Elena Tel, Joaquín Tintoré, Klodian Zaimi, and George Zodiatis
Ocean Sci., 18, 997–1053, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-997-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-997-2022, 2022
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This description and mapping of coastal sea level monitoring networks in the Mediterranean and Black seas reveals the existence of 240 presently operational tide gauges. Information is provided about the type of sensor, time sampling, data availability, and ancillary measurements. An assessment of the fit-for-purpose status of the network is also included, along with recommendations to mitigate existing bottlenecks and improve the network, in a context of sea level rise and increasing extremes.
Emma Reyes, Eva Aguiar, Michele Bendoni, Maristella Berta, Carlo Brandini, Alejandro Cáceres-Euse, Fulvio Capodici, Vanessa Cardin, Daniela Cianelli, Giuseppe Ciraolo, Lorenzo Corgnati, Vlado Dadić, Bartolomeo Doronzo, Aldo Drago, Dylan Dumas, Pierpaolo Falco, Maria Fattorini, Maria J. Fernandes, Adam Gauci, Roberto Gómez, Annalisa Griffa, Charles-Antoine Guérin, Ismael Hernández-Carrasco, Jaime Hernández-Lasheras, Matjaž Ličer, Pablo Lorente, Marcello G. Magaldi, Carlo Mantovani, Hrvoje Mihanović, Anne Molcard, Baptiste Mourre, Adèle Révelard, Catalina Reyes-Suárez, Simona Saviano, Roberta Sciascia, Stefano Taddei, Joaquín Tintoré, Yaron Toledo, Marco Uttieri, Ivica Vilibić, Enrico Zambianchi, and Alejandro Orfila
Ocean Sci., 18, 797–837, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-797-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-797-2022, 2022
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This work reviews the existing advanced and emerging scientific and societal applications using HFR data, developed to address the major challenges identified in Mediterranean coastal waters organized around three main topics: maritime safety, extreme hazards and environmental transport processes. It also includes a discussion and preliminary assessment of the capabilities of existing HFR applications, finally providing a set of recommendations towards setting out future prospects.
Pablo Lorente, Eva Aguiar, Michele Bendoni, Maristella Berta, Carlo Brandini, Alejandro Cáceres-Euse, Fulvio Capodici, Daniela Cianelli, Giuseppe Ciraolo, Lorenzo Corgnati, Vlado Dadić, Bartolomeo Doronzo, Aldo Drago, Dylan Dumas, Pierpaolo Falco, Maria Fattorini, Adam Gauci, Roberto Gómez, Annalisa Griffa, Charles-Antoine Guérin, Ismael Hernández-Carrasco, Jaime Hernández-Lasheras, Matjaž Ličer, Marcello G. Magaldi, Carlo Mantovani, Hrvoje Mihanović, Anne Molcard, Baptiste Mourre, Alejandro Orfila, Adèle Révelard, Emma Reyes, Jorge Sánchez, Simona Saviano, Roberta Sciascia, Stefano Taddei, Joaquín Tintoré, Yaron Toledo, Laura Ursella, Marco Uttieri, Ivica Vilibić, Enrico Zambianchi, and Vanessa Cardin
Ocean Sci., 18, 761–795, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-761-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-761-2022, 2022
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High-frequency radar (HFR) is a land-based remote sensing technology that can provide maps of the surface circulation over broad coastal areas, along with wave and wind information. The main goal of this work is to showcase the current status of the Mediterranean HFR network as well as present and future applications of this sensor for societal benefit such as search and rescue operations, safe vessel navigation, tracking of marine pollutants, and the monitoring of extreme events.
Petra Pranić, Cléa Denamiel, and Ivica Vilibić
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 5927–5955, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-5927-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-5927-2021, 2021
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The Adriatic Sea and Coast model was developed due to the need for higher-resolution climate models and longer-term simulations to capture coastal atmospheric and ocean processes at climate scales in the Adriatic Sea. The ocean results of a 31-year-long simulation were compared to the observational data. The evaluation revealed that the model is capable of reproducing the observed physical properties with good accuracy and can be further used to study the dynamics of the Adriatic–Ionian basin.
Petra Zemunik, Jadranka Šepić, Havu Pellikka, Leon Ćatipović, and Ivica Vilibić
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 4121–4132, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4121-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4121-2021, 2021
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A new global dataset – MISELA (Minute Sea-Level Analysis) – has been developed and contains quality-checked sea-level records from 331 tide gauges worldwide for a period from 2004 to 2019. The dataset is appropriate for research on atmospherically induced high-frequency sea-level oscillations. Research on these oscillations is important, as they can, like all sea-level extremes, seriously threaten coastal zone infrastructure and populations.
Iva Tojčić, Cléa Denamiel, and Ivica Vilibić
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 2427–2446, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-2427-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-2427-2021, 2021
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This study quantifies the performance of the Croatian meteotsunami early warning system (CMeEWS) composed of a network of air pressure and sea level observations developed in order to help coastal communities prepare for extreme events. The system would have triggered the warnings for most of the observed events but also set off some false alarms if it was operational during the multi-meteotsunami event of 11–19 May 2020 in the eastern Adriatic. Further development of the system is planned.
Cléa Denamiel, Petra Pranić, Damir Ivanković, Iva Tojčić, and Ivica Vilibić
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 3995–4017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-3995-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-3995-2021, 2021
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The atmospheric results of the Adriatic Sea and Coast (AdriSC) climate simulation (1987–2017) are evaluated against available observational datasets in the Adriatic region. Generally, the AdriSC model performs better than regional climate models that have resolutions that are 4 times more coarse, except concerning summer temperatures, which are systematically underestimated. High-resolution climate models may thus provide new insights about the local impacts of global warming in the Adriatic.
Paolo Lazzari, Stefano Salon, Elena Terzić, Watson W. Gregg, Fabrizio D'Ortenzio, Vincenzo Vellucci, Emanuele Organelli, and David Antoine
Ocean Sci., 17, 675–697, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-675-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-675-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Multispectral optical sensors and models are increasingly adopted to study marine systems. In this work, bio-optical mooring and biogeochemical Argo float optical observations are combined with the Ocean-Atmosphere Spectral Irradiance Model (OASIM) to analyse the variability of sunlight at the sea surface. We show that the model skill in simulating data varies according to the wavelength of light and temporal scale considered and that it is significantly affected by cloud dynamics.
Elena Terzić, Arnau Miró, Paolo Lazzari, Emanuele Organelli, and Fabrizio D'Ortenzio
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-473, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-473, 2021
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
This study integrates numerical simulations (using a multi-spectral optical model) with in-situ measurements of floats and remotely sensed observations from satellites. It aims at improving our current understanding of the impact that different constituents (such as pure water, colored dissolved organic matter, detritus and phytoplankton) have on the in-water light propagation.
Ivica Vilibić, Petra Zemunik, Jadranka Šepić, Natalija Dunić, Oussama Marzouk, Hrvoje Mihanović, Clea Denamiel, Robert Precali, and Tamara Djakovac
Ocean Sci., 15, 1351–1362, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-15-1351-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-15-1351-2019, 2019
Elena Terzić, Paolo Lazzari, Emanuele Organelli, Cosimo Solidoro, Stefano Salon, Fabrizio D'Ortenzio, and Pascal Conan
Biogeosciences, 16, 2527–2542, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2527-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2527-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Measuring ecosystem properties in the ocean is a hard business. Recent availability of data from Biogeochemical-Argo floats can help make this task easier. Numerical models can integrate these new data in a coherent picture and can be used to investigate the functioning of ecosystem processes. Our new approach merges experimental information and model capabilities to quantitatively demonstrate the importance of light and water vertical mixing for algae dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea.
Ivica Vilibić, Hrvoje Mihanović, Ivica Janeković, Cléa Denamiel, Pierre-Marie Poulain, Mirko Orlić, Natalija Dunić, Vlado Dadić, Mira Pasarić, Stipe Muslim, Riccardo Gerin, Frano Matić, Jadranka Šepić, Elena Mauri, Zoi Kokkini, Martina Tudor, Žarko Kovač, and Tomislav Džoić
Ocean Sci., 14, 237–258, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-237-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-237-2018, 2018
H. Mihanović, I. Vilibić, S. Carniel, M. Tudor, A. Russo, A. Bergamasco, N. Bubić, Z. Ljubešić, D. Viličić, A. Boldrin, V. Malačič, M. Celio, C. Comici, and F. Raicich
Ocean Sci., 9, 561–572, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-561-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-561-2013, 2013
S. Pasquet, I. Vilibić, and J. Šepić
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 13, 473–482, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-13-473-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-13-473-2013, 2013
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Short summary
Vertical salinity profiles with their highest values at the surface layers – surface saline lakes – have been known to occur in the eastern Mediterranean, where strong evaporation, warm summers, and low winds all contribute to an increase in surface salinity. Our analysis of Argo data from the past 2 decades showed that saline lakes also occur in other regions across the Mediterranean Sea. This poses the question of whether such changes indicate a salinification of the entire basin due to climate change.
Vertical salinity profiles with their highest values at the surface layers – surface saline...