Seasonal and dynamical variability of mesoscale phenomena in the Sardinian Sea during MedGOOS cruises

The Sardinian Sea, one of the most dynamical area of the Western Mediterranean Sea, was investigated by four oceanographic cruises, since may 2000 to november 2002. The cruises were carried out in different seasons: spring (MedGOOS-2 and MedGOOS-4), autumn (MedGOOS-3) and late autumn (MedGOOS-5), and physical, chemical and biological data were collected. The data show that the Sardinian Sea is interested by mesoscala phenomena, mainly anticyclonic eddies. These dynamical phenomena, together with the seasonal variability, strongly modulate the distribution of the phytoplankton biomass, playing a key role in the DCM (Deep Chlorophyll Max- imum) distribution.