A three-dimensional hydrodynamic model to predict the distribution of temperature, salinity and water circulation of the Red Sea

Abstract EN

A modified version of 3D- model is applied to study the distribution of temperature, salinity and water circulation in the Red Sea.

Monthly means of observed temperature, salinity and wind stress data are used as initial conditions.

The results represent the contours of average temperature, salinity and water circulation for the months of January and July.

The surface temperature distribution shows regional variations with an area of high temperature in the central region during winter, which shifts towards south under the influence of the north-westerly winds that dominate the entire Red Sea in summer.

Other synoptic observations such as the northward increase of salinity are also successfully simulated.

Vertical distributions of temperature and salinity show seasonal variability.

In winter, the mixed layer is deepest whereas there is strongly stratification in summer.

At depths greater than 200 m the temperature and salinity are almost constant throughout the year (22.0ºC and 40.4 ppt respectively).

The surface water circulation is strongly affected by the wind stress.

In the southern Bab Al-Mandab region the model shows a two layers system during winter.

In shallow areas, where there are transverse winds, cyclonic eddies are traced.