Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies at the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey (Period of 1968-2010)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to review the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies at the Mediterranean coast of Turkey during the period between 1968 and 2010. The SST data of the meteorology stations in Fethiye, Finike, Antalya, Alanya, Anamur, Mersin and Iskenderun are used for the study. According to this have the SST anomalies presented significant changes in annual and seasonal terms during the reviewed period. The most important parameter which affected the SST anomalies in annual and seasonal terms is the weather temperature. It can be said that also the changes in the NCP has an influence at a definite degree during the winter and spring seasons in annual terms. But NAO, ENSO, sunspots and precipitation are not much direct determinants for SST anomalies. The SST anomaly values have presented a symmetric distribution in Fethiye, Antalya and Anamur stations and an asymmetric distribution at the other stations in terms average deviation; and a symmetric distribution in Antalya station and an asymmetric distribution at the other stations in terms standard deviation. The annual average SST anomalies have shown an increase for all stations during the reviewed period. In terms of seasons have the SST anomalies presented an increase trend at all stations during summer, autumn and winter and a decrease trend in Fethiye, Antalya and Alanya stations and an increase trend all other stations during spring.