Study of Internal Waves in the Persian Gulf Using Field Data and Satellite Images

Abstract

In this research, density, temperature and salinity fields were investigated in different seasons using observational data of ROPME Marine Cruise in the Persian Gulf (PG). Based on in-situ measurements, areas with density stratification were identified. Having analyzed Landsat and SAR satellite images, internal waves (IW) were detected in different regions of the Persian Gulf and more frequently in the eastern part of the PG related to seawater stratification. Based on analysis of satellite images, it is shown that the length of internal waves crest detected in the north-eastern part of Al-Zhahirah (Qatar) was more than 120 km; while it’s in range of 5 to 20 km in the south and east of Larak Island, 15 to 40 km in the north-east of Abu Musa Island, and 3 to 65 km in the south-east and south of Hondurabi Island. Moreover, IWs with shorter crest’s wide were recognized near Lavan, Siri, Farur, Halul, Khark Islands and Bandar Lengeh, as well. In addition, studying satellite images in the above mentioned areas for a longer time period from 2000 to 2017 showed that IWs mostly occur in the eastern part of the PG in summer and disappear in other seasons.