Exploring Submesoscale Eddies in the Southern Caspian Sea: A Focus on Rudsar and Sefidrud Regions

Abstract

Understanding the circulation patterns, identifying locations for eddy generation, and monitoring eddy behaviors are all areas of interests for different water bodies. This study focused on submesoscale eddies in the southern Caspian Sea, specifically close to Rudsar and Sefidrud, due to their distinct form and high turbidity. The high-resolution FVCOM model was utilized to identify high turbidity locations for a period from 2010 to 2014. The results of the two selected locations were explored individually using various techniques. Also, the obtained MODIS satellite images were compared to the daily averaged current results. The findings showed distinct turbid current patterns, and most of the eddies were classified as submesoscale. The alterations in shoreline orientation and wind direction were identified as the two most significant factors affecting this highly turbid area, with river discharge having a significant effect on eddy development close to the Sefidrud delta. The detected eddies at Rudsar in 2013 were found to be more diverse than those at the Sefidrud delta. The circulation and eddy patterns of these locations were prepared. The findings really emphasize how crucial it is to look into the small-scale circulations and eddies along the coastal areas of the southern Caspian Sea. These results offer valuable insights into the generation and behavior of these eddies, particularly when influenced by morphological changes, local currents, and various other factors.