Ivanov, Vladimir V., Polyakov, Igor V., Dmitrenko, Igor A., Hansen, Edmond, Repina, Irina A., Kirillov, Sergey A., Mauritzen, Cecillie, Simmons, Harper and Timokhov, Leonid A. (2009) Seasonal variability in Atlantic water off Spitsbergen. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 56 (1). pp. 1-14. DOI 10.1016/j.dsr.2008.07.013.

Text 808_Ivanov_2009_SeasonalVariabilityInAtlanticWater_Artzeit_pubid12422.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB) | Contact

Abstract

A combination of 2-year-long mooring-based measurements and snapshot conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) observations at the continental slope off Spitsbergen (81°30′N, 31°00′E) is used to demonstrate a significant hydrographic seasonal signal in Atlantic Water (AW) that propagates along the Eurasian continental slope in the Arctic Ocean. At the mooring position this seasonal signal dominates, contributing up to 50% of the total variance. Annual temperature maximum in the upper ocean (above 215 m) is reached in mid-November, when the ocean in the area is normally covered by ice. Distinct division into ‘summer’ (warmer and saltier) and ‘winter’ (colder and fresher) AW types is revealed there. Estimated temperature difference between the ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ waters is 1.2 °C, which implies that the range of seasonal heat content variations is of the same order of magnitude as the mean local AW heat content, suggesting an important role of seasonal changes in the intensity of the upward heat flux from AW. Although the current meter observations are only 1-year long, they hint at a persistent, highly barotropic current with little or no seasonal signal attached.

Actions (login required)

View Item