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) to study the circulation and water mass properties of the Persian Gulf, which is a large inverse estuary. Our findings 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. The latter is associated with winter cooling of extreme saline (>45 psu) water in shallow regions along the coast of United Arab Emirates. To validate the model results, we present a detailed comparison with observational evidence.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère

J. Kämpf, M. Sadrinasab. The circulation of the Persian Gulf: a numerical study. Ocean Science Discussions, 2005, 2 (3), pp.129-164. ⟨hal-00298403⟩