A model study of air–sea interactions in the Mediterranean Sea

The surface heat balance is analyzed in all its components to assess the most commonly used heat flux bulk formulas applied to the Mediterranean basin and to provide simulations of better air–sea interaction boundary conditions for Mediterranean OGCMs (Ocean General Circulation Models). A 9-year data set (1980–1988) from 12 hourly NMC atmospheric analysis combined with Reynolds SST and COADS cloud coverage is used. The surface heat balance of the Mediterranean, including the ocean heat advection through the Strait of Gibraltar and the water budget of the basin, is computed using the NMC data at monthly and 12-hourly frequency. The 12-hourly NMC data yield the correct heat loss in the basin. This analysis identifies a set of heat flux bulk formulas (‘the calibrated setʹ) which represent best the heat balance of the Mediterranean Basin with our available data sets. The calibrated set of bulk formulas, used as heat flux boundary condition for the OGCM, is capable to improve the representation of the water masses in the Mediterranean basin and to reduce the model climatic drift.