Recent Advances on Mesoscale Variability in the Western Mediterranean: Complementarity Between Altimetry and Other Sensors

International audienceSatellite altimetry has provided a unique contribution to the global observation of mesoscale variability, the dominant surface signal in the ocean circulation at mid and high latitudes. In particular, it is now possible to quantify and monitor surface mesoscale eddies. However, the single use satellite altimetry only allows providing surface information with a limited spatio/temporal coverage. Thus, to circumvent these limitations and to fully understand the three-dimensional variability it is necessary to complement altimetry data with alternative remote and in-situ sensors. In this study we review recent advances on mesoscale variability as seen by the synergy of altimetry and independent observations in the Western Mediterranean, where the circulation is rather complex due to the presence of multiple interacting scales, including basin, sub-basin scale and mesoscale structures. The challenges of characterizing these processes imply therefore precise and high-resolution observations in addition to multi-sensor approaches. Accordingly, multi-platform experiments have been designed and carried out in the different sub-basins of the Western Mediterranean Sea highlighting the need of synergetic approaches through the combined use of observing systems at several spatial/temporal scales, with the aim of better understanding mesoscale dynamics