Satellite SAR observations of atmospheric and oceanic vortex structures in the Black Sea coastal zone

Abstract

ERS-2 SAR and Envisat ASAR images of the north-eastern coastal zone of the Black Sea have revealed frequent manifestation of dynamic upper ocean and atmospheric boundary layer structures. In 1999–2004, IKI RAS carried out a series of experiments in the region of Novorossiisk–Gelendzhik to investigate the dominant processes associated with such dynamic features. Special focus was on oceanic vortices of small and medium scales at 2–20 km which are difficult to register by ship measurements or satellite optical instruments. Meanwhile, they play a significant role in circulation and mixing processes in the coastal zone. Atmospheric synoptic vortices and local mushroom flows are also discussed.