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[1] Lagrangian drifter observations of the Black Sea circulation between 2002 and 2003 show six transitions between two meta-stable states representing single gyre structures centered in either the western or eastern sub-basin of the Black Sea, respectively. The major mechanisms driving such an oscillator dynamics are Ekman pumping for the eastern sub-basin, and most likely a resonance excitation for the western sub-basin. The sea strongly amplifies the wind responses of 120-day periodicity. Data analysis demonstrates that two-gyre structure (''Knipovich spectacles'') was a transient between the states. Residence time for the sea to occupy either state is mainly determined by the instability of the gyres, wind variability and, probably, variations in the pycnocline. This behavior is a manifestation of a bimodal dynamical regime which affects the long-term (climatic), large-scale transport and mixing of bio-geochemical substances.

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551.465We consider some specific features of creation of the database according to the results of drifter experiments carried out in the Black Sea in 2001-2006. The general statistical information on all buoy studies in the sea is presented. The criteria used to filter the primary data are suggested. The principles of formation and structuring of the drifter database are presented. As an example, we describe the procedure and the results of comparison of model estimates with the data of contact measurements of the sea-surface temperature by drifting buoys.

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