A process of thermocline erosion on the Sicilian continental shelf

Summary We study a process of thermocline erosion measured in the Channel of Sicily in the period 16 November–December 1985. Evidence is presented that the transition from Summer to Winter stratification has been an impulsive process. We show that the erosion of the seasonal thermocline and the deepening of the surface mixed layer were stimulated by the action of two strong atmospheric perturbations. Possible relations between mixing events and internal wave breaking are discussed. Paper presented at the IV Congresso del Gruppo Nazionale per la Fisica dell'Atmosfera e dell'Oceano, June 22–24, 1987, Rome.