Recent improvements in mesoscale characterization of the western Mediterranean Sea: synergy between satellite altimetry and other observational approaches

• DOI: 10.3989/scimar.03740.15a
• Publication Date: 2013-02-28T15:42:02Z
• Authors: Ananda Pascual; Jérôme Bouffard; Simón Ruiz; Bruno Buongiorno ...; Enrique Vidal-Vij...; Romain Escudier; Juan Manuel Sayol; Alejandro Orfila
• Keywords: Satellite Altimetry

Satellite altimetry is a key component of the global observing system and plays major role in study mesoscale processes that drive most ocean circulation variability at middle high latitudes. However, satellite alone provides only surface information limited spatio-temporal resolution. To address these limitations to better describe three-dimensional variability, it necessary complement data with additional remote situ measurements. This an update recent advances using combination other independent observations, emphasis on results obtained for western Mediterranean Sea. The this area complex because presence multiple interacting scales, including basin-scale, sub-basin–scale structures. Thus, characterizing requires high-resolution observations multi-sensor approaches. Accordingly, multi-platform experiments analyses have been designed undertaken different sub-basins These studies demonstrated advantages synergetic approaches use observation techniques are able resolve scales aim understanding dynamics.