Ultra-High Resolution Version of DieCAST for the Adriatic Sea
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MESOSCALE DYNAMICS IN THE NORTHERN AND MIDDLE ADRIATIC SEA
(Abstract AGU-EGS-2003)
B. Cushman-Roisin (1),
[email protected]
K. A. Korotenko (1),
[email protected]
D. E. Dietrich (2),
[email protected]
(1) Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH 03755, USA
(2) AcuSea, 1421 Monte Largo Dr., Albuquerque NM 87112, USA
The hydrodynamics of the Adriatic Sea are simulated by the 4th-order accurate DieCAST
numerical model with a horizontal resolution of 1.2 min (about 2 km). This resolves the
baroclinic radius of deformation, and simulations therefore contain a variety of
mesoscale dynamics, including meanders of coastal currents, fronts, jets, instabilities
and eddies. The Western Coastal Current (WAC) flowing southward along the Italian coast
is replete with meanders and eddies, with spatial and temporal scales matching those
observed in SeaWiFS satellite images. In contrast, the mesoscale variability along
the rugged Croatian coast is marked by thermal fronts and offshore jets. The location of
these tends to be fixed and related to bottom topographic features. Some simulations of
a hypothetical oil spill near Trieste are presented in conclusions, to demonstrate the
crucial effect of mesoscale variability on the transport and dispersion of contamimants
in the northern Adriatic Sea.
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