Coastal margin of the Gulf of Taranto (South Italy), off S. Maria di Leuca, Avetrana, Gallipoli, the Sinni river and Crotone; the harbours of Taranto, Gallipoli and Crotone

Raw current meter output parameters; Moored instrument depth

Current meters

As part of a three-year (1982-84) multidisciplinary study of the marine coastal system of the Apulia Region, (South Italy), the SO-ISDGM investigated the physical and dynamic properties of the basin. Two oceanographic cruises were carried out in the Gulf of Taranto to collect hydrographic, current and bottom pressure measurements. Current and water temperature data were obtained using Aanderaa RCM4 and NBA current-meters moored at several points along the coastal margins of the Gulf (off S. Maria di Leuca, Avetrana, Gallipoli, the Sinni river and Crotone). 20 time series of the E-W and N-S velocity components, and the water temperature were obtained at depths between 10 and 400 metres. The sampling interval was 10 minutes. The recording time of the various chains varied between 13 and 60 days owing to disturbances induced by the crowded presence of fishing boats in the area. Bottom pressure and water temperature time series were recorded in the Gulf of Taranto, namely in the harbours of Taranto, Gallipoli, Crotone and at one site near S. Maria di Leuca. Data covered periods of about two months, April-June 1983 and September-November 1984. The quartz sensors were not only affected by an error which depended on the sea temperature variations but also exhibited a time drift. While the former was corrected by an appropriate sensor calibration, the latter was difficult to quantify. However, the duration of each recording was so short that this error should fall within 1 cm.

CNR, Institute of Marine Sciences S.S. of Lerici (SP)
Forte Santa Teresa Pozzuolo di Lerici
Lerici (SP)

19032
Italy