Dynamic features along the German Baltic Sea coast: contribution to coastal monitoring

Abstract

Based on satellite imagery in combination with ground data measurements and numerical modelling, the distribution patterns of water masses along the German Baltic Sea coast of the state of Mecklenburg–Vorpommern (M–V) were investigated. The dynamic processes forming these patterns are driven by the local wind. Distinct wind directions induce typical features in several regions of the M–V coast. The processes considered are the distribution of Oder river water in the Pomeranian Bight, the upwelling off Hiddensee and off the coast of the Mecklenburg Bight including the Warnow river outflow, and the special dynamic regime in Lübeck Bay. In the Pomeranian Bight, a strong relation was found between the wind and transport direction of river water which was also applied to interpret the distribution of inorganic and organic pollutants. During easterly winds, different upwelling cells arise with the highest intensity in the Hiddensee area. The cells merge by increasing wind velocity. Lübeck Bay is mainly excluded from water exchange during the dominant wind directions. The first results of this systematic remote sensing study along the entire coast of M–V are summarized and will be continued to support the coastal monitoring programme of regional authorities.