Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Φυσική ΩκεανογραφίαLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Herold Leo-Alexander
Supervisors info:
Σοφιανός Σαράντης, επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Φυσικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Inferring Mediterranean Sea water cycle changes from 3-D salinity changes
Translated title:
Inferring Mediterranean Sea water cycle changes from 3-D salinity changes
Summary:
Uncertainties and lack of direct observations of the water cycle, led the development of a new method to estimate water cycle change from salinity change, based on the water mass transformation theory . Studying the water mass transformation distribution in salinity coordinates allowed us to estimate changes of the Mediterranean water cycle. Our study shows an increase in net evaporation of 8% - 25% over the period of 1955-2014, associated with strong basin-scale and multi-decadal salinification. Direct analysis of the water cycle parameters showed an increase in Evaporation, combined with a decrease in River run off and small trends in Precipitation, while also showing a strong intensification of the water cycle of 7% - 30% for the same period. Water mass transformation distribution in salinity coordinates suggests that the Mediterranean basin salinification is driven by changes in the regional water cycle rather than changes in salt transports at the straits, most likely linked to global climate changes
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
Water cycle, Salinity, Climate change, Evaporation, precipitation
