Abstract
The Red Sea experiences strong atmospheric forcing through both wind stress and air–sea buoyancy fluxes. Direct observations and modeling experiment show a robust response that consists of a strong and complicated three-dimensional circulation pattern with intense seasonal variability, involving water masses that are locally formed in the Red Sea or enter it from adjacent basins. Two thermohaline cells are identified related to intermediate (Red Sea Outflow Water—RSOW) and deepwater (Red Sea Deep Water—RSDW) formation processes. Results from numerical simulations indicate that the permanent cyclonic gyre in the northern end of the basin is the most probable location for the RSOW formation to take place, but further investigation with observations and numerical modeling techniques is needed to better understand the processes involved as well as the role of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba in the regional thermohaline circulation. The Red Sea circulation is closely linked to the flow pattern in the Strait of Bab-al-Mandab where the exchange of the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean takes place. The exchange is of an inverse estuarine type, which compensates for the strong heat and freshwater fluxes in the basin, but with very strong seasonal and synoptic variability related to remote and local forcing. Although important progress has been achieved during the last two decades in describing and understanding basic processes of the Red Sea dynamics, several features are not yet understood and explained. Further observational and modeling activities are required to improve our understanding of these processes and should be combined in an interdisciplinary approach to improve our monitoring and forecasting capabilities for environmental management and protection.
