Subsurface warming derived from Argo floats during the 2022 Mediterranean marine heat wave
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: . The Mediterranean marine heatwave during the warm season (May–September) and the fall period (October–December) of 2022 is analysed using Argo floats in-situ observations in the upper 2000 m of depth. Based on the 2022 ocean heat content anomaly, five study regions (North Western Mediterranean, South Western Mediterranean, central Ionian Sea, Pelops Gyre, southern Adriatic Sea) most affected by warming in different layers were selected and investigated. Temperature anomaly profiles T’(z) computed for each area and for both periods, were divided into three categories based on vertical heat penetration: Category 1 (shallow, 0–150 m), Category 2 (intermediate, 150–700 m) and Category 3 (deep, > 700 m). Category 1 profiles had a temperature anomaly near zero or slightly negative in a thin layer between 50 m and 150 m depth, while warming was observed below the middle layer. Profiles characterized by greater vertical heat penetration (categories 2 and 3) were mainly in mesoscale or sub basin structures and showed the largest positive temperature anomaly in the surface layer and thermocline. All profile categories showed warming between 200 and 800 m depth. During the fall period all sectors show similar warming in the layer below 200 m depth, except for the SAP, which records an anomalous warming in the intermediate and deep layer. The present work highlights the warming characteristics along the entire water column in different regions of the Mediterranean Sea, some of which are characterised by dynamic activities. This sheds light on possible scenarios changes with implications on the variation of the ocean processes that regulate the thermohaline circulation and thus, the climate system.
Source: State of the Planet
Authors: Annunziata Pirro, Riccardo Martellucci, Antonella Gallo, Elisabeth Kubin, Elena Mauri, Mélanie Juza, Giulio Notarstefano, Massimo Pacciaroni, Antonio Bussani, Milena Menna
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4402986337