KLIWAS 
Seite 12 
KLIWAS 
Climatology 
of North Sea 
Fronts 
refinement of two existing stand-alone algorithms added by a merging module which 
combines the special skills of the individual algorithms. GRADHIST is able to detect 
frontal positions and gradient strength in satellite data and can process big data 
volumes automatically. The focus lies on sea surface temperature (SST) and so-called 
ocean colour (OC) data which allow the determination of chlorophyll, turbidity, 
transparency and yellow substance, parameter which are well suited to distinguish 
different water bodies in the ocean. 
Fig. 1: Impact of climate change on fronts and ecosystems 
The importance of oceanic fronts for KLIWAS is given by their dynamical aspects, 
especially their vertical transports of nutrients, plankton and anthropogenic CO2 (self 
sea pumping). Due to their impact on ecology fronts are important for marine 
economy like fisheries and aqua culture. Therefore, many areas in the North Sea 
dominated by fronts are designated protected areas, e.g., the Frisian Front along the 
Dutch coast. Besides taking an inventory of frontal positions, their properties and 
their natural variability, it is important to observe and to assess future changes of 
frontal systems. The new detection method also enables an operational monitoring of 
front positions and gradients as demanded by ICES (2006). Further on, fronts as 
protected areas play an important role in marine spatial planning and have therefore a 
direct impact on the economic use of the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 
The operational use of the new method may also help in assuring the so-called ‘Good