Tectonic control on past circulation of the Mediterranean Sea : a model study of the late Miocene

Abstract

We examine the effect of Late Miocene paleogeography on the circulation and water properties of the Mediterranean Sea by using an ocean circulation model. Results obtained for the past are compared to a control experiment with the present-day geometry. To focus on paleogeography, atmospheric forcing is always based on the present-day climatology. We seek insight that allows us to test ideas based on observations and to formulate new working hypotheses. The Late Miocene is examined first, since it represents an important stage in the evolution of the Mediterranean. The present-day model reproduces the main aspects of the surface to intermediate depth circulation and water properties. The model does not capture the deep circulation known to occur at present in both subbasins. When the subbasins are reconstructed to their Late Miocene shape (keeping intervening sills at present-day levels) the overall nature of the surface/intermediate depth circulation proves unaffected. The model, however, predicts intense deep circulation in the eastern Mediterranean, most likely due to the greater surface area of the reconstructed Adriatic Sea. Using the first paleoexperiment as a starting point several additional paleogeographical aspects are examined.