Seismic reflection imaging of mixing processes in Fram Strait.

Sarkar, Sudipta , Sheen, Katy L., Klaeschen, Dirk , Brearley, J. Alexander, Minshull, Timothy A., Berndt, Christian , Hobbs, Richard W. and Naveira Garabato, Alberto C. (2015) Seismic reflection imaging of mixing processes in Fram Strait. Open Access Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 120 (10). pp. 6884-6896. DOI 10.1002/2015JC011009.

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Abstract

The West Spitsbergen Current, which flows northward along the western Svalbard continental
slope, transports warm and saline Atlantic water (AW) into the Arctic Ocean. A combined analysis of highresolution
seismic images and hydrographic sections across this current has uncovered the oceanographic
processes involved in horizontal and vertical mixing of AW. At the shelf break, where a strong horizontal
temperature gradient exists east of the warmest AW, isopycnal interleaving of warm AW and surrounding
colder waters is observed. Strong seismic reflections characterize these interleaving features, with a negative
polarity reflection arising from an interface of warm water overlying colder water. A seismic-derived
sound speed image reveals the extent and lateral continuity of such interleaving layers. There is evidence of
obliquely aligned internal waves emanating from the slope at 450–500 m. They follow the predicted trajectory
of internal S2 tidal waves and can promote vertical mixing between Atlantic and Arctic-origin waters.

Document Type: Article
Additional Information: Original seismic and swath-bathymetric data from cruise JR211 are archived at the British Oceanographic Data Centre, Liverpool, and can be obtained from www.bodc.ac.uk by contacting enquiries@bodc.ac.uk. CTD data used in this study can be obtained by carrying out an online search of the database kept at www.nodc.noaa.gov/ OC5/SELECT/dbsearch/dbsearch.html. Current meter mooring data can be obtained from www.pangaea.de.
Keywords: seismic oceanography, internal waves, Fram Strait
Research affiliation: OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB4 Dynamics of the Ocean Floor > FB4-GDY Marine Geodynamics
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: AGU (American Geophysical Union), Wiley
Projects: IPY
Expeditions/Models/Experiments:
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2015 08:23
Last Modified: 04 Apr 2019 13:28
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/30413

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