Numerical Simulation of Deep Currents in the Black Sea Using a Two-Layer Eddy-Resolving Model

А. A. Pavlushin

Marine Hydrophysical Institute of RAS, Sevastopol, Russian Federation

e-mail: pavlushin@mhi-ras.ru

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to calculate and construct maps of deep currents in the Black Sea and to identify the key characteristics of deep-sea circulation.

Methods and Results. A two-layer eddy-resolving model incorporating actual bathymetry was used to simulate the currents. The motion was driven by wind shear stress with mean annual cyclonic vorticity. Long-term simulations yielded fields of current velocity and layer thickness for both upper and lower layers. The kinetic energy of mean and “eddy” currents was calculated and the parameters of wave oscillations in the current velocity field were determined.

Conclusions. The simulation results revealed a closed current system transporting water in a cyclonic direction in the deep layer of the Black Sea, driven by wind with cyclonic vorticity. The primary features of deep-sea circulation are eddies distributed across the continental slope and continental rise. The Rim Current instability, along with topographic and planetary β-effects, contributes possibly to the formation of eddy structures in the deep Black Sea.

Keywords

Black Sea, large-scale circulation, deep currents, mathematical modeling, topographic β-effect, planetary β-effect, Rossby waves

Acknowledgements

The study was carried out within the framework of state assignment of FSBSI FRC MHI on themes FNNN-2023-0003 and FNNN-2024-0012.

Original russian text

Original Russian Text © А. A. Pavlushin, 2025, published in MORSKOY GIDROFIZICHESKIY ZHURNAL, Vol. 41, Iss. 4, pp. 515–536 (2025)

For citation

Pavlushin, A.A., 2025. Numerical Simulation of Deep Currents in the Black Sea Using a Two-Layer Eddy-Resolving Model. Physical Oceanography, 32(4), pp. 537-557.

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