Variabilità a breve e lungo termine delle caratteristiche idrologiche nelle acque costiere di un sistema ad elevato idrodinamismo (Stretto di Messina)

Time-scale variability of hydrological parameters in temperate marine waters is more evident in some environments as well as the straits. In particular, the Straits of Messina is a turbulent zone where strong tidal current displacing water masses north- and southwards. The time-space changes of water quality along the Sicilian coastline of the Straits of Messina were investigated from April 1996 to March 1997, according to different current directions. Concentration of ammonium, total suspended matter and particulate organic carbon and nitrogen showed wide oscillations and significant correlation in the stations close to river outflows. It is evident, in general, a wide temporal variability (daily and yearly) of physical and chemical parameters linked to both hydrodynamic conditions and location of sampling stations. The high values of parameters measured are limited to space and time and seem not be dangerous to the environment.