Lagrangian measurements of surface circulation in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas between November 1994 and March 1997

Abstract

The near-surface circulation of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas is explored using Lagrangian drifting buoy measurements obtained between November 1994 and March 1997. The drifter trajectories reveal the complex and highly variable structure of the surface currents. The main pathways of the surface waters are defined and the major persistent surface circulation features are described. The seasonal variability of the surface currents is studied in the sea areas with maximum drifter data density, namely, in the Sicily Straits, the Northern Ionian, the Otranto Straits and the Southern Adriatic.