Effects of Mesoscale Eddies on the Intensity of Cyclones in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is a relatively small basin with complex, unique topography and has long been considered a hot spot for cyclones. This sea is also characterized by intense mesoscale eddy activity. Although eddies are known to play important roles in cyclones in other regions, their effects on Mediterranean cyclones have not received much research attention. Here, we analyzed how warm‐core eddies (WCEs) and cold‐core eddies (CCEs) interact with Mediterranean cyclones. We considered eight Mediterranean cyclones: four that passed over WCEs and four that passed over CCEs. In general, we observed sudden drops in Mean Sea level (MSL) pressure and increased wind speeds over the WCEs and increased MSL pressure and decreased wind speeds above the CCEs. The temperature of the mixed layer decreased after a cyclone passed over an eddy, but this occurred to a lesser extent for CCEs. In contrast, mixed‐layer salinity decreased in the case of WCEs and increased in the case of CCEs. Larger amounts of precipitation were observed over WCEs, as compared to CCEs. The amount of precipitation associated with a WCE seemed to depend on the area and intensity of the eddy; larger, more intense eddies were associated with larger amounts of precipitation. Also, higher latent and sensible heat fluxes were observed over WCEs, as compared to CCEs, which could be responsible for the sudden increases in cyclone intensity. Interestingly, only one persistent WCE was found in the winter; whereas no persistent CCEs were found in the summer, calling for further case‐by‐case detailed investigation.