Generation mechanisms and propagation properties of the coastal trapped waves in the Black Sea

Coastal trapped waves (CTW) are investigated in the Black Sea during 2012-2016 using observations from Turkish National Sea Level Monitoring System (TUDES) sea-level stations and sea surface height model results from Copernicus Marine Service. Sea level stations are located at İğneada, Şile, Amasra, Sinop and Trabzon along the Black Sea coast of Turkey from west to east, respectively. Spectral analysis of sea level data shows that CTW's exist in the Black Sea with a period of 12-13 days and 15 days duration. These waves propagate from west to east with speed of 2.5 m/s and cause 20-35cm variability in sea level. In order to investigate formation mechanisms of CTWs, sea surface heigh and surface velocities from Copernicus Marine Service, wind measurements from sea level stations and atmospheric model results from Copernicus Marine Service are jointly analysed. These analysis show that CTW's are formed when water accumulated in the coast after strong along shore winds blowing in the western Black Sea.