The Mediterranean Targeted Project MATER—a multiscale approach of the variability of a marine system—overview

The papers presented in this volume represent only a small part of the results obtained within the scope of the first integrated programme concerning the Mediterranean Sea. The latter is considered as a downscaled model of the ocean system, and a regional sea for the targeted projects supported by the European Commission. Whatever the domain is, the variability of the system appeared as a major feature. Consequently, this theme has been selected, among the main initial objectives, as the central subject of this volume. Spatial and temporal variabilities are considered, at different scales and at different (water, particles, sediment, trophic) levels of the marine ecosystem. In the hereafter contributions, one will find the longterm (millenar, secular and interannual), seasonal and short-term variability, the mesoscale and largescale processes and models, including coupled ecosystem models. These results have to be considered as a significant contribution to a better understanding of the ocean as well as a base for a sustainable management of the marine systems. In effect, knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms and their variability are essential to create an efficient management of