Residual currents in coastal waters near Jeddah desalination plants, Red Sea

Abstract EN

Data from current meters deployed at 5m and 30m depths, from February to August 2003 in the coastal water near desalination plants Jeddah, were analyzed to investigate the residual currents.

During this period the residual currents were mainly directed to the south both near the surface and at 30m depths.

The residual currents are relatively strong during the month of June and are weak in August, with a velocity of about 2 cm.s1.

The currents are the strongest around middle of May with a velocity of about 87 cm.s1.

Although during the transition period (May, June) the residual currents are expected to be weak but the observations are otherwise.

It seems that the local winds have a significant role in controlling the residuals at this location and needs further investigation.