Some results of current measurements in the area of the Otranto Strait
Abstract
Short-period current measurements collected on seasonal basis at two locations in the Otranto Strait are discussed. Two-layer circulation was observed. Measurements in June 1988, March and May 1990 confirm known water exchange structure with inflowing northward current along the eastern coast and outflowing southward current along the western coast. August 1990, however, displays a different exchange scheme with inflowing northward current along the western and outflowing southward current along the eastern coast. The most intensive flow is usually between 500 and 800 m. Inertial oscillations were observed frequently and their generation is discussed like: a) wind generated inertial oscillations and b) oscillations due to northward propagating cyclonic eddies formed in a shear zone between the northward and southward flow.
