River runoff influences on the Central Mediterranean overturning circulation

• DOI: 10.1007/s00382-017-3715-9
• Publication Date: 2017-05-23T09:34:49Z
• Authors: Giorgia Verri; N. Pinardi; P. Oddo; S. A. Ciliberti; G. Coppini
• Keywords: Downwelling; Freshwater inflow

The role of riverine freshwater inflow on the Central Mediterranean Overturning Circulation (CMOC) was studied using a high-resolution ocean model with complete distribution rivers in Adriatic and Ionian catchment areas. impact river runoff Sea basins assessed by twin experiment, without runoff, from 1999 to 2012. This study tries show connection between as marginal sea containing downwelling branch anti-estuarine CMOC large occurring there. It is found that multiannual persistent structure secondary estuarine cells strengthen years realistic runoff. demonstrated be controlled wind forcing at least much buoyancy fluxes. affects strength, enhancing amplitude reducing intensity dominant cell. A can produce positive flux switching off antiestuarine cell, but particularly low heat work normal reverse it. Overall comparing experiments with, unrealistically augmented we demonstrate affect strength they never represent its mechanism potential has considered jointly flux, largely contribute energy budget basin. Looking basin, are locally reduce volume dense water formed Southern result increased stratification. spreading into abyss affected well: waters overflowing Otranto Strait less regime, respect no confined narrower band against Italian shelf lateral toward center.