Sea of Azov. Sea of Azov in June: water temperature, reviews
Temperature
In winter, easterly and northerly blows blow from the mainland to the Sea of Azov. easterly winds, causing the water temperature to drop below 0 degrees. The coastal parts of the sea and the Taganrog Bay are covered with a continuous layer of ice for 3 - 4 months. On the northern coast, winter comes earlier - in October, and on the southern coast - in early November. Winter is short and relatively cold - the temperature can drop to - 30 degrees, and only in the Kerch region does it usually not drop below - 8 degrees. The coldest month here is January. In this period average monthly temperature air temperature at sea varies from - 1 (southern coast) to - 6 degrees (north coast).Summer on the Sea of Azov is particularly mild and evenly distributed. In all areas the temperature is almost the same. At sea, local air circulation prevails (cyclones occur quite rarely), in the form of light breezes blowing from land to sea at night, and from sea to land during the day. Relative humidity in summer months on average is at least 75 - 85%. The air temperature ranges from + 22 to + 25 degrees, the temperature of the surface layer of water rises to + 26 degrees in the middle part of the sea, and near the coast it warms up to + 30 degrees.
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The Inner Sea of Azov is located in the south European Russia. It is connected by the narrow (up to 4 km), shallow (4-5 m) Kerch Strait with the Black Sea. The border between the seas runs along the line between cape Takil and cape Panagia.
The Sea of Azov is the shallowest and one of the smallest seas in the world. Its area is 39 thousand km2, water volume is 290 km3, average depth is 7 m, greatest depth- 13 m.
Sea of Azov
The sea has a relatively simple outline. The northern coast is flat, steep, with alluvial sand spits. In the west is the Arabat Spit
The arrow separates the Sivash Bay from the sea, which is connected to the sea by the Henichesk Strait. In the southeast, the Kuban delta stretches for 100 km with extensive flood plains and numerous channels. The Kuban flows into the top of the open Temryuk Bay. In the northeast, the largest bay of the sea protrudes into the land for 140 km - Taganrog Bay, the top of which represents the Don delta.
Hydrology
Almost the entire river flow into the sea (more than 90%) comes from the Don and Kuban. The vast majority of runoff occurs in the spring-summer season.
Basic water exchange Sea of Azov occurs through the Kerch Strait with the Black Sea. According to average long-term data, about 49 km 3 of water flows out of the Sea of Azov annually as a surface flow, and about 34 km 3 of Black Sea water flows into it through the lower flow. The resulting water flow from the Azov Sea to the Black Sea is approximately 15 km 3 /year.
Climate
The climate of the Azov Sea, which juts deep into the land, is continental. It is characterized by Cold winter, dry and hot summer. In the autumn-winter season, the weather is determined by the influence of the spur of the Siberian anticyclone with a predominance of eastern and northeastern winds at a speed of 4-7 m/s. The increased impact of this spur causes strong winds (up to 15 m/s) and is accompanied by intrusions of cold air. The average monthly temperature in January is –1–5°; during northeastern storms it drops to –25–27°.
In spring and summer, warm, clear weather with light winds prevails. In July, the average monthly temperature throughout the sea is 23-25°, and the maximum is more than 30°. During this season, especially in spring, Mediterranean cyclones often pass over the sea, accompanied by western and southwestern winds at a speed of 4-6 m/s, and sometimes squalls.
Quantity atmospheric precipitation on east coast sea is 500 mm per year, in the west - about 300 mm.
The small size and shallow depths of the sea contribute to the rapid development of wind waves. A few hours after the start of the wind, the waves reach a steady state and die out just as quickly when the wind stops. The waves are short, steep, and in the open sea they reach a height of 1-2 m, sometimes up to 3 m.
Interannual sea level fluctuations, determined by long-term changes in the components of the water balance, amount to several centimeters. Seasonal changes levels mainly depend on the river flow regime. Annual course level is characterized by its increase in the spring-summer months and decrease in autumn and winter, the range of fluctuations is on average 20 cm.
The prevailing winds over the sea cause significant surge fluctuations in the level. The most significant rises in level were observed in Taganrog - up to 6 m. At other points surges of 2-4 m are possible (Genichesk, Yeysk, Mariupol), in the Kerch Strait - about 1 m.
At sudden changes atmospheric pressure and winds in the Sea of Azov, seiches can occur - free standing level fluctuations. In port waters, seiches are excited with periods ranging from several minutes to several hours. Seiches with a daily period of 20-50 cm are observed in the sea.
Bottom relief
The shallow shores of the sea turn into a smooth, flat bottom. Depths gradually increase with distance from the coast. The most great depths are located in the central part of the sea, the depths in the Taganrog Bay are from 2 to 9 m. Mud volcanoes are known in the Temryuk Bay.
Bottom topography and currents of the Sea of Azov
Currents
Currents in the sea are driven mainly by the wind. The level slope created as a result of the action of the wind causes compensatory currents. In the pre-estuary areas of the Don and Kuban, drainage currents can be traced.
Under the influence of western and southwestern winds, a counterclockwise circulation of water is formed in the sea. Cyclonic circulation is also excited by eastern and northeastern winds, which are stronger in the northern part of the sea. With the same winds, but stronger in the southern part of the sea, the currents have an anticyclonic character. In light winds and calms, minor currents of alternating directions are observed.
Since the sea is dominated by the weak and moderate winds, currents with velocities up to 10 cm/s have the greatest repeatability. At strong winds(15-20 m/s) current speeds are 60-70 cm/s.
In the Kerch Strait, with northerly winds, a current from the Sea of Azov is observed, and with winds with a southern component, Black Sea water flows into the sea. The prevailing current speeds in the strait increase from 10-20 to 30-40 cm/s in its narrowest part. After strong winds Compensatory currents develop in the strait.
Ice cover
Ice forms on the Sea of Azov every year, and ice cover (area, occupied by ice) strongly depends on the nature of winter (severe, moderate, mild). IN moderate winters by the beginning of December, ice forms in the Taganrog Bay. During December, fast ice is established along the northern coast of the sea, and a little later - along the remaining coasts. The width of the fast ice strip is from 1.5 km in the south to 6 - 7 km in the north. In the central part of the sea, only at the end of January - beginning of February does floating ice appear, which then freezes into ice fields of high concentration (9-10 points). The ice cover reaches its greatest development in the first half of February, when its thickness is 30-40 cm, in the Taganrog Bay - 60-80 cm.
Ice conditions during the winter are unstable. When changing cold and warm air masses and wind fields over the sea, cracking and drift of ice fields and the formation of hummocks repeatedly occur. In the open sea, the height of hummocks does not exceed 1 m, and at the Arabat Strelka it can reach up to 5 m. In mild winters, the central part of the sea is usually free of ice; it is observed only along the coast, in bays and estuaries.
Clearing of the sea from ice in moderate winters occurs during March, first in the southern regions and river mouths, then in the north and last of all in the Taganrog Bay. Average duration ice age- 4.5 months. In abnormally warm and harsh winters The timing of ice formation and melting may shift by 1-2 months or even more.
Water temperature and salinity
In winter, in almost the entire water area, the surface water temperature is negative or close to zero, only near the Kerch Strait it rises to 1-3°. In summer, the surface temperature throughout the sea is uniform - 24-25°. Maximum values in July - August in the open sea are up to 28°, and off the coast they can exceed 30°.
The shallowness of the sea promotes the rapid spread of wind and convective mixing to the bottom, which leads to a leveling of the vertical temperature distribution: its difference in most cases does not exceed 1°. However, in summer, when there is calm, a temperature jump layer is formed, limiting the exchange with the bottom layers.
Water temperature and salinity on the surface of the Sea of Azov in summer
The spatial distribution of salinity under the conditions of the natural influx of river waters was quite uniform; horizontal gradients were observed only in the Taganrog Bay, at the outlet of which a salinity of 6-8‰ prevailed. In the water area open sea salinity was in the range of 10-11‰. Vertical gradients were observed sporadically in almost all areas, mainly due to the supply of black sea waters. Seasonal changes did not exceed 1‰, only in the Taganrog Bay they increased under the influence of the intra-annual distribution of runoff.
Since in most of the sea area there are no significant differences in water temperature and salinity, water masses are not distinguished here. Taganrog Bay is filled with fresh and brackish sea waters, the boundary between which is approximately determined by a salinity of 2‰.
In the 60s - 70s. seizures increased in the Azov Sea basin fresh water for economic purposes, which led to a reduction in river flow into the sea and, accordingly, an increase in the flow of Black Sea waters. This coincided with a period of low humidity in drainage basin sea, and under the influence of all factors, an increase in salinity began in 1967. In 1976, the average salinity in the sea reached its maximum value - 13.7‰. In the Taganrog Bay it increased to 7-10‰ at the exit from the bay - to 12‰. The spatial unevenness of salinity became more noticeable; in the Kerch region, especially in dry years, its values increased to 15-18‰, i.e. to values never seen at sea since the beginning of the century.
Salt pans in Sivash Bay
The increased distribution of Black Sea waters in the bottom layers of the sea led to an increase in vertical gradients of salinity and density, worsening the conditions for mixing and ventilation of bottom waters. The likelihood of oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) and the creation of starving conditions for organisms has increased.
However, in the 80s. The Don flow increased, which had a beneficial effect on salinity. By the end of the 80s. salinity has decreased again, and currently the Azov Sea is not becoming salinized.
Economic importance and environmental problems
With natural water mode until the beginning of the 50s. The Sea of Azov was distinguished by exceptionally high biological productivity. With river runoff, it entered the sea a large number of nutrients, and 70-80% was introduced with the spring flood.
This ensured the abundant development of phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos. The area of floodplain and estuary spawning grounds in the lower reaches of the Don and Kuban reached 40-50 thousand km 2. These factors, as well as good warming of the sea, low salinity, sufficient saturation of water with oxygen, a long growing season, and rapid turnover of nutrients determined favorable conditions for the life of the ichthyofauna, numbering 80 species. No wonder the ancient Greeks called the Sea of Azov Meotida, which means “nurse”.
In the 30s In the 20th century, the total fish catch in the Sea of Azov reached 300 thousand tons, more than half of which were valuable fish species (sturgeon, pike perch, bream, etc.).
Regulation of the Don in 1952 (creation of the Tsimlyansk reservoir), reduction in flow volume by 13-15 km 3 /year, other consequences economic activity in the sea basin caused serious negative changes in the sea ecosystem.
A 30% decrease in the annual flow of the Don and a significant reduction in the volume of floods caused a decrease in spawning areas and disrupted the conditions of reproduction freshwater species fish
The quantity and composition of nutrients entering the sea and their distribution throughout the year have changed significantly. Most of the suspended solids settle in the Tsimlyansk reservoir; their quantity introduced into the sea in spring and early summer has decreased significantly; the supply of mineral forms of phosphorus and nitrogen decreased and the amount of organic forms, which are more difficult for organisms to assimilate, sharply increased. Nutrients reaching the sea are mainly consumed in the Taganrog Bay and are carried out into the open sea in small quantities.
Pollution of river and sea waters with various harmful chemicals - pesticides, phenols, and in some areas of the sea - petroleum products has increased. The greatest pollution is observed in the estuary areas of the Don and Kuban and in the water areas adjacent to major ports. These environmental changes have led to a sharp drop in the biological productivity of the sea. The food supply of fish has decreased several times, and the total catches of mainly valuable fish species have decreased.
The water management situation in the sea basin is very tense. Currently, an average of about 28 km 3 of river water enters the sea per year. With such a volume of runoff, it is possible to maintain its salinity within the range of 13-14‰. A further increase in water consumption in the reservoir basin is unacceptable, as this will cause an irreversible increase in salinity to the level of the Black Sea and will lead to deterioration of living conditions for the most valuable marine organisms.
The Sea of Azov is one of the favorite places for Russians to relax. It is completely surrounded by land, except for one strait connecting Azov with the Black Sea.
The climate in the region is quite dry, with relatively big amount precipitation. But this fact will be an advantage of local resorts for tourists. Infrequent rains allow you to spend maximum time on the beaches and sunbathe in the southern sun.
Main climate features
You can relax on the Sea of Azov even in winter: the average temperature in January ranges from 0 to +6 degrees. During this time you will be able to explore local attractions, admire amazing nature this region. Azov has collected many cultural and historical sites worthy of the attention of tourists.
In summer, this region offers comfortable conditions for beach holiday. average temperature July - from +25 to +29 degrees. But sometimes it rises to +34. Therefore, we recommend that you take precautions and spend the hot afternoon in bars and cafes.
Don't forget about elevated level ultraviolet solar radiation in the region. When staying on the beaches, it is worth using special means for tanning and skin protection. It is not recommended to spend too much time in the scorching sun; it is better to combine tanning with swimming in the sea.
The surrounding area somewhat softens the climate, allowing you to avoid continental summer heat. Real heat is a rarity for coastal resorts; temperatures usually remain within comfortable limits. But the Sea of Azov has beneficial influence only on the climate of coastal areas. In the steppes that surround Azov, conditions are more harsh.
In winter, the climate is not favorable to the region. From the depths of the continent comes cold front, the sea freezes completely. Winter is short, but quite cold for this area; usually the temperature drops below 0, but sometimes rises to “plus” values.
Winds often blow in Azov, and calm can be called a rarity in the region. The reason for this is the flat terrain, huge steppes around the sea. But this can also be called a definite plus for tourists. Winds promote movement warm air, allow you to avoid intense heat in certain areas and maintain comfortable temperatures. In summer the wind is not strong - about 5 meters per second. But in winter it intensifies and brings with it cold air.
The sea temperature in summer is within comfortable values before swimming. In July and August it can reach 25 degrees. The water is warm enough and swimming will be a pleasant experience. But this is the temperature of only the surface layers; in the water column it is usually slightly lower. The sea has a relatively shallow depth and is completely warmed by the sun.
Beaches are the special pride of the Azov Sea. The sand is not only fine and pleasant to the body, but also contains many useful elements for the body. Sand baths are one of the ways to treat and improve health.
The coast is almost uniform in its relief; the waters wash the shores located in the lowlands. The depth is relatively shallow, along the coastline there is a sandbank suitable for swimming, and there are no large depressions. There is a lot of entertainment on the coast.
Features of holidays in Azov
The waters of the Azov Sea are rich chemical composition and have a beneficial effect on human health. Substances enter the body through the skin during bathing. They can improve immunity and cope with a number of disorders and diseases. Many tourists come to this place to improve their health and alleviate chronic diseases.
Of course, we must not forget about the incredibly clean air. It promotes a pleasant holiday and allows you to recuperate at local resorts.
The Azov Sea has a whole range of factors that have a positive effect on the body. Staying at resorts helps strengthen internal systems, increase vitality, and improve metabolic processes.
The mud of the Azov Sea is one of the main riches of the region. They have a lot chemical substances, beneficial to human health. Mud has a healing effect, copes with inflammatory processes. Treatment will alleviate arthritis and rheumatism, improve the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems. Healing substances affect the skin, reduce its oiliness and tighten pores. Mud is often used for cosmetic purposes by girls and is applied in the form of masks.
The Sea of Azov is a wonderful place to relax. The milder climate than on the Black Sea allows you not to experience problems due to extreme heat. Azov is perfect for people with heart problems, hypertension and diabetes.
Summer warmth comes to this region in May; you can relax here until the end of September. The temperature in the hottest months is at comfortable levels, and you can not only swim and sunbathe on the beach, but also attend numerous excursions!
The climate of the Sea of Azov is significantly influenced by the surrounding vast steppe spaces of Southern Ukraine, Ciscaucasia and Crimea with their rather dry climate. In the Azov region, average July temperatures range from +22 to +24°, January temperatures from 0 to +6°, and the average annual precipitation is 300-500 mm.
Of course, the Sea of Azov also has a well-known positive influence on the climate of the surrounding areas, moving towards softening continentality. However, due to the small area of the Azov Sea, this influence is not particularly large and affects mainly in coastal areas, without spreading far into the interior of the wall spaces.
In relation to major meteorological processes, the Sea of Azov is located in unfavorable conditions, namely: in winter, a front of high atmospheric pressure passes to the north of it (the so-called “Voyekov axis”), from which cold continental air rushes to the sea, which leads to the freezing of the Sea of Azov.
Over the Sea of Azov, eastern and northeastern winds blow in winter, and southern, southwestern and western winds blow in summer, usually associated with the passage of subtropical cyclones and the establishment of a monsoon flow from the Atlantic Ocean.
In the summer, when a barometric pressure regime is established that is close to normal or slightly higher than normal, and cyclones pass less frequently, local circulation develops at sea in the form of breezes, that is, winds blowing from sea to land during the day, and from land to sea at night.
The Sea of Azov is characterized by relatively cold, but short winter, mild summer with even temperature distribution, warm autumn compared to spring and high relative humidity air. Average annual temperature air on the Sea of Azov ranges from +9 to +11°. In summer, the temperature for all areas is almost the same. Maximum temperature in July +35 - +40°. The transition from summer to winter is gradual. The first frosts in the Taganrog Bay on the northern coast occur in October, and in the southern part of the sea - in the first half of November. In winter, temperatures can drop to -25 - -30° and only in the Kerch region frosts usually do not exceed -8° (although in some years they can also reach -25 - -30°). At the very cold month year, in January, the average monthly air temperature at sea ranges from -1° to south coast Sea of Azov to -6° in the north.
The relative humidity in the Sea of Azov is high all year round. Even in the warmest months it averages at least 75-85%.
Frequent winds increase evaporation, which is about 1000 millimeters per year for the entire Sea of Azov.
Most low temperatures surface water layer are observed in the northern and eastern parts of the Sea of Azov. Winter temperatures- for December-February here they range from 0 to +1°, in summer - for July-August - from +22 to +25°. The temperature of the surface layer of the Azov Sea in the western and southern coastal regions is higher and fluctuates in winter from 0 to +3°, and in summer it rises to +26°.
The average annual water temperature of the Azov Sea in the north is +11°, and in the south about +12°. In summer, the sea warms up very much and often the water temperature near the coast reaches +30 - +32°, and in the middle part +24 - +25°. In winter, when the water cools below zero, the Sea of Azov is covered with ice. In other years, freeze-up lasts 4-4.5 months, from December to March. The thickness of the ice reaches 80-90 cm. Ice appears first in the Taganrog Bay, then in the Utlyuk, Yeisk, Beysug and Akhtar estuaries.
The coastal parts of the Azov Sea and the Taganrog Bay are covered with continuous ice cover. In the central part of the Sea of Azov and in the Kerch region, the ice is floating.
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