The Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea, is about 29 km in length; its width at the open boundary is 21 km and its depth does not exceed 25 m (Fig. 1). It is characterized by high variability, being subjected to a pronounced seasonal cycle, relevant heat fluxes (associated with Gulf of Trieste) and strong meteorological events (MalaImageiImage and Petelin, 2001). The Isonzo River also exerts a strong impact on the hydrology of the gulf, as other rivers only contribute about 10% of the freshwater balance ( Olivotti et al., 1986). These physical features affect the productivity of this shallow ecosystem ( Malej et al., 1995), as well as mucilage appearance in the area and bottom oxygen depletion ( Aleffi et al., 1992; Malej and MalaImageiImage, 1995; Deggobis et al., 1995). In addition, the presence of two coastal cities (Trieste in Italy and Koper in Slovenia) with intense maritime traffic, fisheries and seasonal tourism, generate a noticeable anthropogenic pressure. These features highlight the need for an integrated monitoring system, capable of evaluating human impacts on this shallow coastal area.
Matching monitoring and modeling in the Gulf of Trieste
Cozzi S;Cantoni C;Catalano G;Crisciani F;Purini R;Raicich F;
2004
Abstract
The Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea, is about 29 km in length; its width at the open boundary is 21 km and its depth does not exceed 25 m (Fig. 1). It is characterized by high variability, being subjected to a pronounced seasonal cycle, relevant heat fluxes (associated with Gulf of Trieste) and strong meteorological events (MalaImageiImage and Petelin, 2001). The Isonzo River also exerts a strong impact on the hydrology of the gulf, as other rivers only contribute about 10% of the freshwater balance ( Olivotti et al., 1986). These physical features affect the productivity of this shallow ecosystem ( Malej et al., 1995), as well as mucilage appearance in the area and bottom oxygen depletion ( Aleffi et al., 1992; Malej and MalaImageiImage, 1995; Deggobis et al., 1995). In addition, the presence of two coastal cities (Trieste in Italy and Koper in Slovenia) with intense maritime traffic, fisheries and seasonal tourism, generate a noticeable anthropogenic pressure. These features highlight the need for an integrated monitoring system, capable of evaluating human impacts on this shallow coastal area.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.