Drifter and float observations in the Adriatic Sea (1994-1996): data report

Abstract

During the period December 1994 to November 1995, 62 Argos tracked surface drifters, one Argos tracked drifter drogued to 300 m and 3 Argos tracked sub-surface floats were released in the Adriatic Sea to describe the characteristics of the sub-tidal surface and intermediate level (300 m) circulation and temperature fields at scales ranging from a few kilometres (mesoscale) to hundreds of kilometres (large scale).

These Lagrangian data sets, extending to December 1996, are described in this report. Full details of the data acquisition systems and data processing are provided to serve as a reference for the analyses published in the scientific literature. Graphics are included in the Annexes to illustrate drifter and float performance, position and temperature data, and Eulerian statistics. The drifter and float measurements comprise the first basin scale, accurate velocity and temperature in situ data over the Adriatic Sea. They describe quantitatively the major circulation features over the entire semienclosed

basin in which issues such as defence, pollution and fisheries are paramount. At smaller scales, the Lagrangian data were used, in conjunction with hydrographic and satellite measurements, to study the mesoscale structure and dynamics of the complex circulation patterns in the Strait of Otranto and Southern Adriatic.