Identifying and Introducing Synoptic Patterns that Cause Storm Levels, Which are >50 cm in the South Coast of the Caspian Sea

In addition to seasonal and annual fluctuation, water level of Caspian Sea undergoes hourly and daily duration caused by the atmosphere circulation patterns. Sometimes, some of these fluctuations are so intense that impose irreparable damages on economic and social activities of the coastal areas. The aim of the study was a synoptic recognition of the elements, which cause storm levels in the Southern coast of the Caspian Sea, so that in an attempt to lessen damages, we could use the obtained information in environmental planning. This study was carried out in Southern coastal areas of the Caspian sea in 2009. Synoptic data and hourly statistics taken from CDC and tide gauge station in the area have been used. The study was carried out synoptically and descriptively in the region 20 W to 80 E and 20-70 N. The findings showed that storm levels, which are above 50 cm in the Southern coast of the Caspian sea are caused by the entrance of systems originating from the fallowing ten geographical regions: the Red sea, Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Siberian, North Africa, South of Northern Atlantic, Median of Northern Atlantic, North of Northern Atlantic, Black sea and the Arctic. These systems take the forms of saddle, cyclone and anticyclone, tongues of cyclone and tongues anticyclone on the synoptic maps. The study of the time and frequency of different systems that create storm levels and also the study of the source and direction of their movement show that the sea plays an important role as a source or reinforce of the system’s energy and it is highly probable that the distance that these systems travel on the sea is related to the height of the storm levels.