Satellite altimetry applications in the Black Sea

Abstract

Physical processes in the coastal zone of the Black Sea which can contribute to a correlation between altimeter-derived SLA (sea level anomaly) data and corresponding in situ measurements are briefly reviewed. Examples of using the SLA data in studying long-term variability of the Black Sea level and mesoscale water dynamics are presented. Results of comparison between observed (in situ) and altimeter-derived SLA and wind speed values made for several coastal locations are discussed. A new approach is proposed for better consistency between altimeter-derived and observed wind speed values, which is on the basis of the decomposition of the wind directions in four quadrants in relation to the coastline orientation. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.