Long-term temperature and salinity variations near Jeddah in relation to certain meteorological factors over the Red Sea

الملخص EN

Spectral analysis of monthly means sea surface temperature, salinity (1978-1986) and air temperature (1971-1986) shows the effects of air-sea interface and advective processes on the sea surface variabilities.

The annual and six monthly components are manifestation of air-sea interface and advective processes, respectively.

The annual cycle is a major contributor to the total variance.

Changes in sea surface temperature almost follow those of air temperature.

The reversal of the wind regime in the Red Sea and the associated current pattern seems to play an important role in the surface variabilities.

Variations in surface salinity follows a different pattern from those of sea surface and air temperatures.

It is suspected that water from Jeddah Desalination Plant may have some effect on salinity variations.