Assessment of the 2024 Mediterranean Sea response to climate forcings

The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed basin highly sensitive to climate variability and anthropogenic influences. Understanding its response to climate forcings is crucial for assessing future environmental and socio-economic impacts. In this study, we analyze the Mediterranean Sea's response to climate forcings in 2024 by leveraging observational data, remote sensing products, and numerical model outputs. Key parameters such as sea surface temperature, sea level anomalies, and wave patterns are examined to identify trends and anomalies relative to historical baselines. We employ high-resolution regional models to investigate the interplay between atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, with a focus on extreme events such as marine heatwaves and anomalous weather patterns. Preliminary results indicate significant deviations and anomalies from historical norms and confirm sea temperature and sea level positive trends. The study highlights the influence of large-scale climate drivers, including teleconnections, on the Mediterranean basin's hydrodynamics and ecosystem. Our findings contribute to improved climate impact assessments and inform adaptive management strategies for the region's coastal communities and marine biodiversity.