Climatic fluctuation of temperature and air circulation in the Mediterranean

ABSTRACT

global warming is tested in the mediterranean area during the last 45 year using SST and 1000/500 mb thickness data, in order to avoid urban effects. The area is divided in two parts vis. The west and the east mediterranean. Since wrming is not apparent in the east mediterranean but only during the last year, the time series of surface pressure and relative geostrophic vorticity were examined for possible explanations. It is found that there exists a continuous and considerable increase of the mean vorticity in the extreme east mediterranean, meaning increased frequency and/or strength of N. winds there, causing a delay of the warming. The opposite phenomenon appeared in the extreme West Mediterranean where increased S. winds may contribute to the warming there (AU)