Extended Data Fig. 4: Conceptual model for Mediterranean refilling.
From: Sill-controlled salinity contrasts followed post-Messinian flooding of the Mediterranean
a, Sketch of main Zanclean flooding stages (ZFS). ZFS 1 ends as the wMed level reaches the Sicily Sill. ZFS 2 ends as the eMed level reaches Sicily Sill. In ZFS 3, both basins rise to the Atlantic level concurrently. MRB, Messinian Residual Brines; wMed, Western Mediterranean; eMed, Eastern Mediterranean. b, Sketch of basin evolution during the flooding phase. As flood waters flow into the basin, mixing with residual brines (purple) occurs. The mixing extent depends on the kinetic energy of flow entering the brine surface. For increased kinetic energy, a dz depth of brines will be added to the mixed layer (green). The mixed layer thickness increases accordingly. KE(t + 1), kinetic energy of flow entering the brine; KE(t), kinetic energy of flow in the previous timestep; Z(t)wMed, wMed level at a given time; Z(t)eMed, eMed level at a given time; Zmix(t)wMed, wMed mixed layer extent at a given time; Z(t)wBrine, wMed brine thickness at a given time; Z(t)eBrine, eMed brine thickness at a given time; and ZAtlantic, Atlantic level.
