Distribution of suspended matter off the western coast of the crimea under impact of the strong winds of various directions

Abstract

The mechanisms of formation and distribution of total suspended matter (tsm) off the West Coast of Crimea under the influence of strong winds of various directions were investigated on the base of satellite data of medium and high resolution. The maximum tsm reaching the values of 200 mg / l was is observed during strong southern winds. In this case, the zone of high tsm is located at the western shelf of the Crimea limited by a 50 m isobath. The wave impact on resuspension of bottom sediments and the erosion of clay cliffs located on the west coast of Crimea lead to the formation of a large amount of tsm. After the storm, a northern alongshore current transfers tsm to the north. During northeast winds, the highest tsm are observed not near the coast, but in the seaward part of the shelf between 30 and 50 m isobaths. It is likely that turbulent mixing during such winds resuspense bottom sediments in shallow areas, which are further transported from the coast due to the offshore winds. The wind surge in this case leads to the formation of a band of clean cold water near the coast. A specific feature of the action of the northern and northwestern storms is the formation of a longshore jet stream along the western coast. The current occurs at the front of the upwelling zone. The stream transports the suspended matter offshore southward. The concentration of the suspended matter in this case is also much lower than when exposed to the southern winds, but it can reach a value of 3 mg/l.