Eddy statistics for the Black Sea by visible and infrared remote sensing

Examination of vortical circulation features in the Black Sea surface waters is presented based on satellite optical and infrared images. The sequence of images used comprises the period from September 2004 to December 2008. The images were obtained by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) sensors. Our analysis allowed us to gain new insights into Black Sea mesoscale circulation features. In particular, information on the spatial distributions of structures such as the Rim Current meanders, mushroom-like currents, near-shore anticyclonic eddies, and chains of shear eddies was obtained. As a result, a better understanding of Black Sea dynamics has been achieved.