Exploring the shelf-slope dynamics in the Adriatic Sea using numerical models and Seismic Oceanography (SO)

Abstract

Dense shelf waters are formed and spread in the Adriatic Sea during winter periods, which dynamics are usually investigated by means of sea truth campaigns and modeling efforts. The former are eiter based on observational approaches (moored instruments, CTD, current meters, etc.) or on more innovative techniques, e.g. employing Seismic Oceanography. Recent studies have shown that SO techniques can produce maps of vertical transects along the survey lines with horizontal and vertical resolution of, respectively, 10 and 100 m, suitable to explore the horizontal structures of BBL dynamics. Elaborating on these considerations, a novel approach combining the SO dataset collected during the ADRIASEISMIC cruise and high-resolution numerical model (ROMS) results was performed in two restricted areas of the Adriatic Sea: off the Gargano promontory and off the Bari shelf break. We present the first steps along the definition of a novel methodology. On one hand SO can help to image the existing dynamical structures and their spatial/temporal resolution; on the other, the numerical model can quantify tese acoustic snapshots in terms of temperature, salinity and density, integrating the XBTs that are acquired during SO lines, and help identifying the nature of other processes (e.g. turbulence, internal waves, etc.). © 2013 Acoustical Society of America.