Lagrangian eddy tracking reveals the Eratosthenes anticyclonic attractor in the eastern Levantine Basin

Abstract. Statistics of anticyclonic eddy activity and trajectories in the Levantine Basin over 2000–2018 period are analyzed using DYNED-Atlas database, which links automated mesoscale detection by Angular Momentum Eddy Detection Tracking Algorithm (AMEDA) algorithm to situ oceanographic observations. This easternmost region Mediterranean Sea, delimited coast Cyprus, has a complex eddying activity, not yet been fully characterized. In this paper, we use Lagrangian tracking investigate fluxes interactions between different subregions area. The structure above Eratosthenes Seamount is identified as hosting an anticyclone attractor, constituted succession long-lived anticyclones. It larger radius more persistent (staying same position for up 4 years with successive merging events) than other eddies region. Quantification flux shows that anticyclones drift towards mainly formed along Israeli or neighboring area west seamount. southeastern isolated, no transfers from western part basin, defining effective attraction basin attractor. Co-localized profiles inside provide quantitative information on their subsurface physical anomaly signature, whose intensity can vary greatly respect dynamical surface signature intensity. Despite interannual variability, so-called attractor stores amount heat salt anticyclones, deeper usually extends down 500 m. suggests could concentrate subbasin, will impact properties intermediate water masses created there.