A groundbreaking study by KAUST researchers, in collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has provided new insights into the behavior of Red Sea eddies—marine whirlpools that play a crucial role in transporting heat, nutrients, and organic material. The findings reveal that eddies in the Red Sea occur more frequently than previously expected and follow a distinct seasonal pattern.

Analyzing satellite data collected over two decades, the researchers identified nearly 5,000 eddies, a number that exceeded previous estimates. These rotating water masses are most commonly found in the central basin of the Red Sea and typically persist for about six weeks. The study also uncovered a strong seasonal cycle in eddy activity. Intensity peaks in February, possibly influenced by winter wind jets, gradually declines until August, then drops sharply before rising again between September and December.

According to Professor Ibrahim Hoteit, understanding the behavior of eddies is crucial for improving ocean forecasts, assisting with search-and-rescue operations, and managing oil spills and conservation efforts. Given the narrow structure of the Red Sea, these eddies facilitate rapid transport of organisms and nutrients across the basin. As a next step, the researchers aim to quantify how these dynamic systems influence the movement of heat and nutrients, further advancing knowledge of the Red Sea’s unique oceanography.

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