A Lagrangian Estimate of the Mediterranean Outflow's Origin

The origin of the Mediterranean Outflow is investigated by deploying six millions virtual Lagrangian parcels at Strait Gibraltar, and tracing them backward in time using velocity estimates from an eddy-permitting reanalysis. are followed until they intercept one three sections. hypothesis that each section associated with distinct water masses: Gulf Lions, related to Western Deep Water Intermediate Water, carries 86% Outflow's transport; Northern Tyrrhenian, Tyrrhenian Waters, 1% Sicily, Levantine 13% transport. median transit times sections Gibraltar range 5 years (Gulf Lions) 8 (Strait Sicily).