ABSTRACT
Most inland lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters are characterized by a well-defined density stratification of the water column.' This stratification may be introduced by a riverine buoyancy flux or may be due to solar heating. In most Mediterranean climates, the stratification persists for a large part of the year, stabilizing the water column and suppressing mean vertical motions and active turbulence. Surface stresses introduced by the winds are thus insufficient to completely mix the water column; instead, a surface mixed layer forms where most of the introduced kinetic energy is dissipated. Below this surface layer only weak, sporadic mixing events may be observed.
