Mean surface salinity
Schematically, the Mediterranean Sea comprises three main water masses (EEA and UNEP 1999): • the Modified Atlantic Water (MAW), found in the surface layer, with a thickness of 50–200 m and characterized by a salinity of 36,2 psu (practical salinity units) near Gibraltar to 38,6 psu in the Levantine basin; • the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW), formed in the Levantine basin, lying in depth between 200 and 800 m, and characterized by temperatures of 13–15,5°C and salinity of 38,4–39,1 psu; • the Mediterranean Deep Water (MDW), formed in both the Western and Eastern basins. The Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW) is characterized by a temperature of 12,7°C and a salinity of 38,4 psu, while the Eastern Mediterranean Deep Water (EMDW) is characterized by a temperature of 13,6°C and a salinity of 38,7 psu.
Year: 2013
From collection: State of the Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Environment
Cartographer: GRID-Arendal