The circulation of the Persian Gulf: a numerical study

J. Kämpf (1) , M. Sadrinasab (2)

1 School of Chemistry
2 Khorramshahr University of Nautical Sciences & Technology

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.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère

J. Kämpf, M. Sadrinasab. The circulation of the Persian Gulf: a numerical study. Ocean Science, 2006, 2 (1), pp.27-41. ⟨hal-00298283⟩