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www.ocean-sci.net/2/27/2006/
doi:10.5194/os-2-27-2006
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The circulation of the Persian Gulf: a numerical study
1School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences, Flinders Research Centre for Coast and Catchment Environments, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
2Khorramshahr University of Nautical Sciences & Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran
Abstract. We employ a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (COHERENS) in a fully prognostic mode to study the circulation and water mass properties of the Persian Gulf – a large inverse estuary. Our findings, which are in good agreement with observational evidence, suggest that the Persian Gulf experiences a distinct seasonal cycle in which a gulf-wide cyclonic overturning circulation establishes in spring and summer, but this disintegrates into mesoscale eddies in autumn and winter. Establishment of the gulf-wide circulation coincides with establishment of thermal stratification and strengthening of the baroclinic exchange circulation through the Strait of Hormuz. Winter cooling of extreme saline (>45) water in shallow regions along the coast of United Arab Emirates is a major driver of this baroclinic circulation.
Final Revised Paper (PDF, 2978 KB) Discussion Paper (OSD)
Citation: Kämpf, J. and Sadrinasab, M.: The circulation of the Persian Gulf: a numerical study, Ocean Sci., 2, 27-41, doi:10.5194/os-2-27-2006, 2006. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
