Heat Balance in the Sharm Obhur and Exchange with the Red Sea

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of the balance and exchange of heat is vital to explore the interaction between atmosphere and ocean. Sharm Obhur is one of the most important lagoons along the eastern coast of the Red Sea. In situ observations of current speed and direction, temperature, and salinity along with near surface meteorological parameters are used to investigate monthly variability of heat balance in the Sharm Obhur and the exchange with the Red Sea. The net heat flux in the Sharm shows a notable seasonality with an annual heat loss of 49 W m−2. The heat loss in the region peaked during December while maximum heat gain noticed during August. The entrance of the Sharm is well mixed during winter, while it is stratified by 2–3 °C during summer. Heat exchange between the Sharm and the Red Sea shows significant seasonality associated with the velocity of spring and neap flows. Interestingly, the annual net heat gain of 49.9 W m−2 noticed from the heat exchange is well compensated by the net surface heat loss of 49 W m−2.