Satellite SAR observations of atmospheric and oceanic vortex structures in the Black Sea coastal zone

ERS-2 SAR and Envisat ASAR images of the north-eastern coastal zone of the Black Sea have revealed frequent manifestation of dynamic upper ocean and atmospheric boundary layer structures. In 1999-2004, IKI RAS carried out a series of experiments in the region of Novorossiisk-Gelendzhik to investigate the dominant processes associated with such dynamic features. Special focus was on oceanic vortices of small and medium scales at 2-20 km which are difficult to register by ship measurements or satellite optical instruments. Meanwhile, they play a significant role in circulation and mixing processes in the coastal zone. Atmospheric synoptic vortices and local mushroom flows are also discussed.