Strong Variability of Sound Velocity in the Black Sea Shelf Zone Caused by Inertial Internal Waves

Abstract

The paper presents research results on sound velocity variability in the water column based on long-term measurements conducted on stationary platforms on the Crimean and southeastern shelves of the Black Sea in the summer–fall seasons. Measurements consisted of long-term hourly soundings with a miniSVP sound velocity probe, continuous temperature recording with a thermistor chain, and current monitoring with ADCPs. A significant and frequently observed variability in the sound velocity fields was revealed during the passage of inertial internal waves and internal bores, both on the Crimean and Caucasian shelves.