Validation of GETM model simulated long-term salinity fields in the pathway of saltwater transport in response to the Major Baltic Inflows in the Baltic Sea

Abstract

The hydrodynamic model GETM was used to simulate the hydrographic conditions in the Baltic Sea for the hindcast period from 1966 to 2005. Time series of surface and bottom salinity and bottom temperature at four monitoring stations belonging to the Bornholm Basin, Gotland Basin, the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga were used for model validation. The model has reproduced realistic conditions through the simulation period that was characterized by stagnation period in the 80s and numerous Major Baltic Inflow events. The simulated salinity and temperature at different depths were in good agreement with measurements. Also, the sea level and maximum ice extent were compared with observations.