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. 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.

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