Revue de l'hydrodynamique au large des côtes tunisiennes

Abstract

How the Mediterranean works is partly understood following the large number of work that involve different but complementary techniques. Those techniques indeed range from in-situ and satellite observations to physical and numerical model simulation. However, water characteristics and circulation in some coastal regions are still poorly known, in particular, the hydrodynamical characteristics of water circulation off the Tunisian coasts. Detailed studies will generate benefits on scientifical, economical and strategical plans due to strong impact that physical processes have on a large number of biological, sedimentological and other phenomena. We first recall the main features of water characteristics and circulation in the Mediterranean. We then present some characteristics inherent to the three principal water bodies forming the tunisian territorial waters: the North coast and the Gulfs of Hammamet and Gabes. A plan of action is suggested to clarify hydrodynamical water characteristics and ocean-atmosphere interactions along the Tunisian coasts