In southern France, as in Algeria, netizens have expressed concern over the impressive drop in water levels in the Mediterranean. About 20 to 40 centimeters of water have been missing in places for 15 days. According to experts, a seasonal phenomenon.
Why has the water of the Mediterranean Sea strongly retreated from the edges of the beach for several days? From southern France to Algeria, residents are concerned and are sharing their astonishment on social media. In places, the sea level has dropped by 20 to 40 centimeters. Some believe that the phenomenon is related to the earthquake in Turkey. But is it really related?
Gaël André, tidal expert at the Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom), assures us that this is indeed a perfectly normal seasonal phenomenon. “It’s a phenomenon that occurs every year and this year is amplified by a strong anticyclone. An earthquake would trigger a so-called “tsunami” wave (…) But not phenomena lasting tens of days. It cannot be linked to this earthquake,” he explained to our Parisian colleagues.
“It is mainly related to the water temperature, which is quite cold, causing the water masses to contract and therefore lowering the sea level, and also to reversals of the currents at the height of the Strait of Gibraltar.” (…) “, Gaël André continues. According to the expert, there is therefore no reason to worry, as the level of the Mediterranean Sea should soon be back to its usual level.