Mesoscale/sub-mesoscale variability of the Alboran Sea and the 3D circulation of Nador Lagoon (Morocco)

This study describes some aspects of the physical oceanography of Nador Lagoon (Eastern Morocco) and characterizes the circulation and the dispersion of Mediterranean water into this lagoon, using long recordings of wind, sea level and currents during spring 2001 and the HD/AD modules of the integrated MIKE 3 modeling system from DHI (Denmark). The surface of the lagoon is about 115 km super(2) and its mean depth is 3-4 m, with a maximal depth in the center (6-7m). The M2 amplitude decreases from 13 cm outside the entrance channel to 3 cm inside the lagoon and its relative phase is retarded by about 3 hours as it enters the lagoon. This sets up tidal currents of about 1 m S super(-1) at the entrance which decrease progressive]y along both the south/north shores of the lagoon. Inside the lagoon, tidal currents remain very weak near the bottom (