Abstract
A parallel analysis of the physical state of European semi-enclosed seas, namely the Black Sea, Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea, is presented based on observations and numerical modelling, with the aim of revealing similarities and differences between the dominating physical processes. Each of the three basins is presented in more detail with respect to processes which are very specific and relatively well studied: the formation of intermediate water masses in the Black Sea, strait exchange and circulation in the transition area between the Baltic and North Sea, and deep water formation and the Eastern Mediterranean Transient. For the three basins extended discussions on the strait exchanges, the routing of deep inflows by straits, and underwater passage channels and shallows are provided. It is demonstrated that although the topographic routing has very different appearances in the three basins, in general it strongly controls the formation of water masses and thermohaline circulation. This review aims also at motivating parallel studies on similar geophysical systems and sharing of specific or common experiences between researchers dealing with the individual European seas.
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