The circulation of the Persian Gulf: a numerical study

[摘要] We employ a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (COHERENS) in a fullyprognostic mode to study the circulation and water mass properties of thePersian Gulf – a large inverse estuary. Our findings, which are in goodagreement with observational evidence, suggest that the Persian Gulfexperiences a distinct seasonal cycle in which a gulf-wide cyclonicoverturning circulation establishes in spring and summer, but thisdisintegrates into mesoscale eddies in autumn and winter. Establishment ofthe gulf-wide circulation coincides with establishment of thermalstratification and strengthening of the baroclinic exchange circulationthrough the Strait of Hormuz. Winter cooling of extreme saline (>45) waterin shallow regions along the coast of United Arab Emirates is a major driverof this baroclinic circulation.

[学科分类] 海洋学与技术