Climatological Flux Estimates in the Mediterranean Sea. Part I. Winds and Wind Stresses

Abstract
Climatological wind stress averages have been calculated for the entire Mediterranean Sea for one degree longitude squares. The individual stresses were estimated from ship observations of wind speed and wind direction using a quadratic law with variable drag coefficient. Individual stresses were averaged by month over the 20-year base period, 1950-1970, to obtain the climatology. Smoothed versions of the monthly wind stress estimates, appropriate for forcing numerical models, were also calculated. Wind stresses exhibit the major wind patterns that are well-known features of the Mediterranean circulation. The Mistral, Boro, and Etesian wind systems are the most evident of the area's features. The seasonal cycles, the curl, and the variance of the wind stresses are presented. Several interesting aspects of the relationship of the Mistral to the formation of bottom water in the Golfe du Lion region are discussed.

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