Formation of the vertical salinity profile in the Black Sea

The vertical distribution of salts brought by the Bosphorus undercurrent is numerically evaluated. By multiplying the average vertical salinity gradient by the diffusion coefficient, K sub(z) and the crosssection of the sea at the appropriate depth, we can determine the total vertical salt flux, Q(z). The derivative of Q with respect to z depicts the salt source intensity distribution over depth. The highest intensity, Delta Q/ Delta z, matches the 200m depth level, i.e. the sheff edge. Below 1500m, Delta Q/ Delta z equals merely 0.1% of the value observed at a depth of 200 m. Above 37 m, salts are noted to sink, which corresponds to their outflow with the Bosphorus current. The distribution of Delta Q/ Delta z and the respective values of mineral phosphorus and hydrogen sulphide are matched up. (DBO)