Suspended-Matter Distribution Near the Western Coast of Crimea under the Impact of Strong Winds of Various Directions

Abstract

In this paper, we study the mechanisms of the formation and distribution of suspended matter (SM) near the western coast of Crimea under the impact of strong winds of various directions using medium- and high-resolution satellite data. The SM concentration was noted to reach its maximal values ​​at southern winds, reaching values ​​of 200 mg/L. The zone of high SM concentration is located in the region of the western shelf of Crimea and is limited to an isobath of 50 m. The wave action during the south wind contributes to the resuspension of bottom sediments and the destruction of clay cliffs on the western coast of Crimea. After the storm, a northern coastal current arises that transfers the SM to the north. In northeastern winds, the highest SM concentrations are observed not on the coast, but in the sea part of the shelf between isobaths of 30 and 50 m. Such winds are likely to resuspend sediments in shallow water, which are then driven away from the coast by the action of wind driving. They are replaced by clean, cold waters from the deeper layers that are observed near the coast. The feature of northern and northwestern storms impact is the formation of a coastal jet current along the west coast. The current occurs in the frontal upwelling zone and carries the SM south to the deep sea. The SM concentration in this case is also significantly lower than during southern winds, although it can reach 3 mg/L.