Articles | Volume 21, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1641-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1641-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
01 Aug 2025
Research article |
| 01 Aug 2025
| 01 Aug 2025
Statistical analysis of ocean currents in the eastern Mediterranean
Department of Environmental Physics, BIDR, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
Hezi Gildor
The Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Aviv Solodoch
The Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Related authors
Oded Padon and Yosef Ashkenazy
Ocean Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2017-29, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2017-29, 2017
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
The Dead Sea is the saltiest and lowest terminal lake in the world and it constitutes a unique environment-it is important from economic, environmental, and touristic points of view. Non-hydrostatic effects may significantly affect the Dead Sea circulation. Using a state-of-the-art ocean model we study the non-hydrostatic effects in the Dead Sea on the flow and show the such effects cannot be ignored. These effects are significant during the winter due to deep convection.
Yosef Ashkenazy, Erick Fredj, Hezi Gildor, Gwo-Ching Gong, and Hung-Jen Lee
Ocean Sci., 12, 733–742, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-733-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-733-2016, 2016
Short summary
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Nan-Wan Bay in Taiwan and the Gulf of Elat in Israel are two different coastal environments, and as such, their currents are expected to have different statistical properties. We find that in spite of these differences, the statistical properties of the surface currents are similar in both basins. Still, surface currents are temporally asymmetric in Nan-Wan but not in Elat; we attribute this difference to the strong tides that exist in Nan-Wan but not in Elat.
P. Malanotte-Rizzoli, V. Artale, G. L. Borzelli-Eusebi, S. Brenner, A. Crise, M. Gacic, N. Kress, S. Marullo, M. Ribera d'Alcalà, S. Sofianos, T. Tanhua, A. Theocharis, M. Alvarez, Y. Ashkenazy, A. Bergamasco, V. Cardin, S. Carniel, G. Civitarese, F. D'Ortenzio, J. Font, E. Garcia-Ladona, J. M. Garcia-Lafuente, A. Gogou, M. Gregoire, D. Hainbucher, H. Kontoyannis, V. Kovacevic, E. Kraskapoulou, G. Kroskos, A. Incarbona, M. G. Mazzocchi, M. Orlic, E. Ozsoy, A. Pascual, P.-M. Poulain, W. Roether, A. Rubino, K. Schroeder, J. Siokou-Frangou, E. Souvermezoglou, M. Sprovieri, J. Tintoré, and G. Triantafyllou
Ocean Sci., 10, 281–322, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-10-281-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-10-281-2014, 2014
Ofer Cohen, Assaf Hochman, Ehud Strobach, Dorita Rostkier-Edelstein, Hezi Gildor, and Ori Adam
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3058, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3058, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Weather and Climate Dynamics (WCD).
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Severe warming and drying in the Eastern Mediterranean makes seasonal prediction of regional rain imperative. The study explores the observed relation of Mediterranean Sea variability to Levant winter precipitation. Ocean heat uptake in the Aegean Sea during summer is found to be a strong predictor of winter Levant precipitation. This connection is mediated by changes in the subtropical jet, which create more favorable conditions for precipitating storms in the Levant during winter.
Itamar Yacoby, Hezi Gildor, and Nathan Paldor
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2529, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2529, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Ocean Science (OS).
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The paper examines the applicability of known linear wave theories to numerical simulations of two zonally invariant fundamental problems in Oceanography: The Geostrophic adjustment problem and the Ekman Adjustment problem. By simulating the problems with MITgcm we show that neither of the available wave theories is applicable to the explanation of the numerical results that are derived for large and small meridional domains.
Nir Haim, Vika Grigorieva, Rotem Soffer, Boaz Mayzel, Timor Katz, Ronen Alkalay, Eli Biton, Ayah Lazar, Hezi Gildor, Ilana Berman-Frank, Yishai Weinstein, Barak Herut, and Yaron Toledo
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 16, 2659–2668, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-2659-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-2659-2024, 2024
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This paper outlines the process of creating an open-access surface wave dataset, drawing from deep-sea research station observations located 50 km off the coast of Israel. The discussion covers the wave monitoring procedure, from instrument configuration to wave field retrieval, and aspects of quality assurance. The dataset presented spans over 5 years, offering uncommon in situ wave measurements in the deep sea, and addresses the existing gap in wave information within the region.
Shai Abir, Hamish A. McGowan, Yonatan Shaked, Hezi Gildor, Efrat Morin, and Nadav G. Lensky
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6177–6195, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6177-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6177-2024, 2024
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Understanding air–sea heat exchange is vital for studying ocean dynamics. Eddy covariance measurements over the Gulf of Eilat revealed a 3.22 m yr-1 evaporation rate, which is inconsistent with bulk formulae estimations in stable atmospheric conditions, requiring bulk formulae to be revisited in these environments. The surface fluxes have a net cooling effect on the gulf water on an annual mean (-79 W m-2), balanced by a strong exchange flux between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Eilat.
Itamar Yacoby, Nathan Paldor, and Hezi Gildor
Ocean Sci., 19, 1163–1181, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1163-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1163-2023, 2023
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The transition from an arbitrary initial sea surface height to a geostrophic balance in which the velocity is steady was solved last century for constant Coriolis frequency, f(y), where y is the latitude. This study extends the theory to the realistic case in which f(y) is linear with y. We find that the variation in f(y) translates the steady geostrophic state westward as low-frequency Rossby waves that are harmonic in narrow domains and trapped near the equatorward boundary in wide ones.
Kaushal Gianchandani, Hezi Gildor, and Nathan Paldor
Ocean Sci., 17, 351–363, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-351-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-351-2021, 2021
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The classical theories of the western boundary currents, proposed in the first half of the 20th century, are extended to include cases of zonally elongated and meridionally narrow ocean basins. Results show for the first time that in basins that are sufficiently narrow meridionally, the equatorward wind-driven transport away from the western boundary is lower than that in meridionally wide basins. Our theoretical results are employed to explain the low transport in the East Australian Current.
Oded Padon and Yosef Ashkenazy
Ocean Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2017-29, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2017-29, 2017
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
The Dead Sea is the saltiest and lowest terminal lake in the world and it constitutes a unique environment-it is important from economic, environmental, and touristic points of view. Non-hydrostatic effects may significantly affect the Dead Sea circulation. Using a state-of-the-art ocean model we study the non-hydrostatic effects in the Dead Sea on the flow and show the such effects cannot be ignored. These effects are significant during the winter due to deep convection.
Daniel R. Hayes, Srdjan Dobricic, and Hezi Gildor
Ocean Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2016-43, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2016-43, 2016
Preprint retracted
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This research has shown that it is possible to estimate ocean currents more accurately when using autonomous underwater glider observations of ocean temperature and salinity in conjunction with numerical ocean current models. This allows offshore activities to be more safely carried out, since currents can transport pollutants or disrupt operations in unpredictable ways. Using only models is not as reliable as using a merged result of observations and models, which can be done in near real time.
Yosef Ashkenazy, Erick Fredj, Hezi Gildor, Gwo-Ching Gong, and Hung-Jen Lee
Ocean Sci., 12, 733–742, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-733-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-733-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Nan-Wan Bay in Taiwan and the Gulf of Elat in Israel are two different coastal environments, and as such, their currents are expected to have different statistical properties. We find that in spite of these differences, the statistical properties of the surface currents are similar in both basins. Still, surface currents are temporally asymmetric in Nan-Wan but not in Elat; we attribute this difference to the strong tides that exist in Nan-Wan but not in Elat.
P. Malanotte-Rizzoli, V. Artale, G. L. Borzelli-Eusebi, S. Brenner, A. Crise, M. Gacic, N. Kress, S. Marullo, M. Ribera d'Alcalà, S. Sofianos, T. Tanhua, A. Theocharis, M. Alvarez, Y. Ashkenazy, A. Bergamasco, V. Cardin, S. Carniel, G. Civitarese, F. D'Ortenzio, J. Font, E. Garcia-Ladona, J. M. Garcia-Lafuente, A. Gogou, M. Gregoire, D. Hainbucher, H. Kontoyannis, V. Kovacevic, E. Kraskapoulou, G. Kroskos, A. Incarbona, M. G. Mazzocchi, M. Orlic, E. Ozsoy, A. Pascual, P.-M. Poulain, W. Roether, A. Rubino, K. Schroeder, J. Siokou-Frangou, E. Souvermezoglou, M. Sprovieri, J. Tintoré, and G. Triantafyllou
Ocean Sci., 10, 281–322, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-10-281-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-10-281-2014, 2014
Related subject area
Approach: In situ Observations | Properties and processes: Mesoscale to submesoscale dynamics
An estimate of the eddy diffusivity tensor from observed and simulated Lagrangian trajectories in the Benguela Upwelling System
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Relative dispersion and kinematic properties of the coastal submesoscale circulation in the southeastern Ligurian Sea
Stirring across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current's southern boundary at the prime meridian, Weddell Sea
Evaluating altimetry-derived surface currents on the south Greenland shelf with surface drifters
Ria Oelerich, Birte Gülk, Julia Dräger-Dietel, and Alexa Griesel
Ocean Sci., 21, 727–747, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-727-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-727-2025, 2025
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The study explores how unresolved motions in the Benguela upwelling region affect diffusivity estimates and the need for full diffusivity tensors in models. Using a scalar for lateral mixing can be inaccurate due to directional mixing. Analysis of buoys and simulations shows that diffusivity from particle pairs is lower than expected and that removing the mean flow improves estimates. The study shows the importance of full diffusivity tensors for better model mixing and reducing warm biases in models.
Yan Barabinot, Sabrina Speich, Xavier Carton, Pierre L'Hégaret, Corentin Subirade, Rémi Laxenaire, and Johannes Karstensen
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Mesoscale eddies are rotating oceanic currents key to ocean variability. Off Brazil’s northeast coast, the North Brazil Current generates in average 4.5 eddies per year, which drift towards the West Indies, transporting waters from the southern hemisphere. Using data collected at sea by the EUREC4A-OA cruise, this study reveals that deep eddies transport five times more water than surface ones, reshaping our understanding of the regional water transport.
Gillian Mary Damerell, Anthony Bosse, and Ilker Fer
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-433, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-433, 2025
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The Lofoten Vortex is an unusual feature in the ocean: a permanent eddy which doesn’t dissipate as most eddies do. We have long thought that other eddies must merge into the Vortex in order to maintain its heat content and energetics, but such mergers are very difficult to observe due to their transient, unpredictable nature. For the first time, we have observed a merger using an ocean glider and high resolution satellite data and can document how the merger affects the properties of the Vortex.
Luis P. Valencia, Ángel Rodríguez-Santana, Borja Aguiar-Gonzaléz, Javier Arístegui, Xosé A. Álvarez-Salgado, Josep Coca, and Antonio Martínez-Marrero
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-99, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-99, 2025
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Our study investigates a rotating body of water south of the Canary Islands, known as an intrathermocline eddy. With an isolated core below the surface, it displayed unique energy distribution and structure. It intensified through interactions with productive coastal waters, while its year-long life cycle was regulated by nearby eddy interactions. By transporting coastal waters offshore, it influenced regional circulation, emphasizing the need for more studies on such eddies.
Yan Barabinot, Sabrina Speich, and Xavier Carton
Ocean Sci., 21, 151–179, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-151-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-151-2025, 2025
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Mesoscale eddies are ubiquitous rotating currents in the ocean. Some eddies, called "materially coherent", are able to transport a different water mass from the surrounding water. By analyzing 3D eddy structures sampled during oceanographic cruises, we found that eddies can be nonmaterially coherent, accounting only for their surface properties, but materially coherent considering their properties at depth. Future studies cannot rely solely on satellite data to evaluate heat and salt transport.
Kjersti Kalhagen, Ragnheid Skogseth, Till M. Baumann, Eva Falck, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 20, 981–1001, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024, 2024
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Atlantic water (AW) is a key driver of change in the Barents Sea. We studied an emerging pathway through the Svalbard Archipelago that allows AW to enter the Barents Sea. We found that the Atlantic sector near the study site has warmed over the past 2 decades; that Atlantic-origin waters intermittently enter the Barents Sea through the aforementioned pathway; and that heat transport is driven by tides, wind events, and variations in the upstream current system.
Clea Baker Welch, Neil Malan, Daneeja Mawren, Tamaryn Morris, Janet Sprintall, and Juliet Clair Hermes
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2210, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2210, 2024
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Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged periods of extreme ocean temperatures with significant impacts on marine ecosystems. Much research has focused on surface MHWs, but less is known about their subsurface extent. This study uses satellite and in situ data to investigate MHWs in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). We find that MHWs in the SWIO are typically moderate in severity, closely linked to mesoscale eddies, and that strong temperature anomalies extend below surface-identified MHWs.
Eivind H. Kolås, Ilker Fer, and Till M. Baumann
Ocean Sci., 20, 895–916, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024, 2024
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In the northwestern Barents Sea, we study the Barents Sea Polar Front formed by Atlantic Water meeting Polar Water. Analyses of ship and glider data from October 2020 to February 2021 show a density front with warm, salty water intruding under cold, fresh water. Short-term variability is linked to tidal currents and mesoscale eddies, influencing front position, density slopes and water mass transformation. Despite seasonal changes in the upper layers, the front remains stable below 100 m depth.
Felipe L. L. Amorim, Julien Le Meur, Achim Wirth, and Vanessa Cardin
Ocean Sci., 20, 463–474, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-463-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-463-2024, 2024
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Analysis of a high-frequency time series of thermohaline data measured at the EMSO-E2M3A regional facility in the southern Adriatic Pit (SAP) reveals a significant change in the double-diffusive regime in 2017 associated with the intrusion of extremely salty waters into the area, suggesting salt fingering as the dominant regime. The strong heat loss at the surface during this winter allowed deep convection to transport this high-salinity water from the intermediate to deep layers of the pit.
Ryan P. North, Julia Dräger-Dietel, and Alexa Griesel
Ocean Sci., 20, 103–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-103-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-103-2024, 2024
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The Benguela upwelling region off the coast of Namibia supplies cold water from the deep ocean that is transported offshore in finger-like structures called filaments. We investigate one major filament using measurements from a ship that crossed it multiple times and with mutiple buoys that follow the ocean currents. We find that the motions associated with the filament enhance the kinetic energy at small scales and provide a pathway for mixing of water and turbulent dissipation of energy.
Pierre-Marie Poulain, Luca Centurioni, Carlo Brandini, Stefano Taddei, Maristella Berta, and Milena Menna
Ocean Sci., 19, 1617–1631, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1617-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1617-2023, 2023
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Drifters and a profiling float were deployed in the coastal waters of the southeastern Ligurian Sea to characterize the near-surface circulation at a scale of ~10 km. The drifters were trapped in an offshore-flowing filament and a cyclonic eddy that developed at the southwestern extremity of the filament. Drifter velocities are used to estimate differential kinematic properties and relative dispersion statistics of the surface currents.
Ria Oelerich, Karen J. Heywood, Gillian M. Damerell, Marcel du Plessis, Louise C. Biddle, and Sebastiaan Swart
Ocean Sci., 19, 1465–1482, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1465-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1465-2023, 2023
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At the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, relatively warm waters encounter the colder waters surrounding Antarctica. Observations from underwater vehicles and altimetry show that medium-sized cold-core eddies influence the southern boundary's barrier properties by strengthening the slopes of constant density lines across it and amplifying its associated jet. As a result, the ability of exchanging properties, such as heat, across the southern boundary is reduced.
Arthur Coquereau and Nicholas P. Foukal
Ocean Sci., 19, 1393–1411, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1393-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1393-2023, 2023
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Understanding meltwater circulation around Greenland is crucial as it could influence climate variability but difficult as data are scarce. Here, we use 34 surface drifters to evaluate satellite-derived surface currents and show that satellite data recover the general structure of the flow and can recreate the pathways of particles around the southern tip of Greenland. This result permits a wide range of work to proceed looking at long-term changes in the circulation of the region since 1993.
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Short summary
We studied ocean currents in the eastern Mediterranean near Israel's coast (2016–2024) across depths of up to 1.3 km. The generalized gamma distribution best matched current-speed data. The speed increment time series fit a stretched exponential distribution better than a normal distribution. Comparisons with high-resolution and regional general circulation models showed discrepancies, highlighting the need to refine the models for better extreme current-speed event predictions.
We studied ocean currents in the eastern Mediterranean near Israel's coast (2016–2024) across...
