Study of Physical Oceanographic Parameters in the Strait of Hormuz

This paper investigates the spatial and temporal changes of water physical parameters in the Strait of Hormuz. Temperature, salinity, and density measured and investigated for winter 2012, spring and summer 2013 by using CTD probe. Moreover, different water masses and layers were studied. The whole water column thermally, at most stations were completely mixed in the winter. Surface layer, namely mixed layer, is completely homogeneous in summer. Spring time is a transition state of water properties between winter and summer. Maximum changes of water column density were 2.0, 4.25, and 5.0 for winter, spring and summer, respectively. Water volume of Persian Gulf outflow change seasonally and sometimes Persian Gulf outflow was traceable near Iranian coast in spring. Based on this research, it seems that Persian Gulf outflow water volume was maxima in the spring time. Study of water masses in different parts of the Strait of Hormuz shows two different water masses in the eastern part of the strait. In summer, only two separate water masses were traceable in the central and western part of the Strait. It was also evident that, there were three-layers in the water column in summer. At the interface of water masses, fronts of different strengths depending on temperature and salinity gradients were formed. Salinity and sigma-t of Persian Gulf outflow in summer were more than those of winter