Tidal and subtidal currents in the Strait of Sicily

Abstract

Current measurements, from shipboard and moored instruments, from the Strait of Sicily are examined to evaluate the importance of tidal and subtidal currents during summer 2000. The results show that the principal tidal components (M2, K1, S2, and O1) are particularly important in the western shelf and sill region but are significantly less important over the eastern shelf and almost negligible in the central part of the strait. There is a significant internal tide in the narrowest passage through the western sill. The residual (nontidal) currents describe the main pathways and local structures of Atlantic Water as it crosses the strait. The residual currents are compared with the geostrophic velocity calculated from simultaneous hydrographic measurements.