Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies in the South Eastern Mediterranean Sea

The hydrographic data of 61 years were used to study the regular formation of the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) and their evaluation in the South Eastern Mediterranean Sea in front of the northern Egyptian waters. The area of study lies between 31- 33 o N and 25-34 o E. Time distribution of SSTA values display both positive and negative cycles. The periods of these cycles fluctuated between 8 and 15 years. These cycles are nearly associated with the 11 year cycle of sun-spots activities. Normal SSTA band occupies only 21.41%, while the positive and negative bands occupy 32.90% and 45.69%. Active zones and periods were determined from the zonal and time distribution of the mean positive, negative and amplitude of SSTA in the study period (1948-2008) for each 1 o x1 o grid. The active period of the year is from June to August. The coastal areas are more active especially in the positive and amplitude bands due to the Interannual variations in coastal heating and cooling. The anti- cyclonic gyre areas are more active especially in the negative band due to Interannual variations in gyre strength.