A submarine groundwater discharge in the region of Cape Aya (Crimea)

The results of field observations of a submarine groundwater discharge, collected in summer 2008 in the area of Aya Cape (Crimea, Ukraine, Black Sea) are analysed. The data on current speed, vertical profiles of temperature and salinity, and turbidity, collected in a grotto and the area around it, are given. The surface current speed is measured by 12 drifters. The hydrologic section of the grotto roll axis is conducted along 41 m. The submarine groundwater discharge is evaluated and compared with that obtained in the previous studies in 2007. It is shown that the groundwater discharge amount increased in 2.5 times in 2008, which indirectly proves the theory of the Ay-Petri yaila being the main water collection site of the groundwater discharge sources.