A summary of oceanographic data obtained in deep water in the Strait of Sicily in May 1970: MILOCMED surv 70

Abstract

Observations of temperature and salinity using a TSD profiling system were made down to 500 m in a deep water area southeast of Pantelleria Island in the Strait of Sicily in May, 1970. The usual two layer system was observed, consisting of upper Atlantic water flowing ESE over a WNW flow of high-salinity eastern Mediterranean "intermediate" water. The variability observed in both the space and time stations occurred mainly in the upper 180 m layer, where the strongest temperature and salinity gradients occur. At a 1.2-hour time-station less variability in ,the ,profiles of- temper.ature was observed than appeared at either of two 45-km long six-station spatial sections made 6 days apart in the same area.