Study of Dynamics of Wind and Current over the Southern Continental Shelf of the Caspian Sea

Results of the physical oceanography study in the southern coastal waters of the Caspian Sea were analyzed using field measurements data. The measurements were carried out in the region using acoustical current meter and CTD profiler. The observations were done over ten sampling stations with a maximum depth of 200 m depth during a physical oceanography research. During the marine cruise, CTD probe was released into the seawater column from sea surface to the bottom. Acoustic current meter were deployed by bottom mounted frame over the continental shelf of the sea. Physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, density and current (dynamical parameter) were measured and recorded. The collected data showed good knowledge about formation a seasonal thermal stratification, water column stability, alongshore, and cross shore components of wind and current in the region. The current over the southern continental shelf of the Caspian Sea was significant in terms of speed, and are mainly caused by winds (wind driven) on the areas. The wind area was mainly from the north and northwest areas on the studied area, while surface water flows on the continental shelf from the west and northwest toward the east. At the beginning of autumn vertical structure showed stratification across upper layer with stability at boundaries. In December, thermal and density stratification was not observed in water column.