FORMATION OF STORM SURGES IN THE WHITE SEA

The characteristics and specific features of storm surges formation in the White Sea are investigated basing on the observations at the stations located in the Gorlo (Neck), Dvina Bay, Kandalaksha Bay and on the Solovetsky archipelago. It was found that in some cases the passing cyclones generate a pressure wave in the Barents Sea that penetrates into the White Sea, and induces the surge. The crest of the surge wave first passes the Sosnowiec station, then in about 7 h the Severodvinsk station and after 2 h more reaches the Solovki. The maximum height of surge wave (0.9 m) was observed on December 12, 2013. In the absence of significant effects of the wind in the White Sea, the height of the surge is practically constant during the passage of the wave. Wind action results in the transformation of wave surges. The wind factor reached its maximum in the Dvina Bay, where on November 6, 2010, the highest ever surge was recorded (1.08 m at Severodvinsk and 1.22 m at Solombala station). Under the northwesterly wind this surge came first in the Dvina Bay, and then reached other parts of the sea. In most cases, pressure forces made the major contribution. Herewith, as a rule, there was a high negative correlation (-0.8) between the average daily values of surface atmosphere pressure and the residual sea level at the Sosnowiec station. Only during the maximum wind surge in the Dvina Bay of November 6, 2010 the contribution of pressure forces was relatively small. Wind component in this case was the highest (56%). The down-surge is quite usual phenomenon before the surge. The most significant one was recorded on 27 November, 2013, when the residual sea level fell 0.54 m below average at the Severodvinsk station. The residual level range in this case was 1.35 m, which is comparable with tide magnitude.

residual sea level, sea level static response, solitary surge wave, relative contribution of pressure and wind forces, synoptic conditions, the White Sea

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