Ocean DYNAmics reconstruction using remotely sensed variables in two CLIMate hotspots

ended

By transporting heat and energy, ocean currents play a major role in shaping the climate of Earth’s many regions. However, characterization of ocean dynamics remains one of the key problems in oceanography. This project addresses the reconstruction of ocean currents from satellite observations. Using two semi-analytical quasi-geostrophic models and proposing a new numerical approach, this proposal aims to exploit the available spatiotemporal sampling capacity of remotely sensed salinity synergistically with sea surface temperature and sea surface high to reconstruct the ocean three-dimensional dynamics. This approach will be applied to the Arctic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; two regions of relevant importance in order to better understand the consequences of climate change and where enhanced satellite salinity products are recently being produced. Reinforcing knowledge both on the Mediterranean and Arctic dynamics represent a community priority as they represent key navigation areas, the Mediterranean Sea for its actual navigation transit and the Arctic Ocean if the near future makes ice melting worst predictions a reality and the possibility to navigate through the Northern Pole opens. Moreover, improving the circulation understanding in these areas would also contribute to European politics to reduce the climatic impact of maritime transport contamination.