SELECTED REPRINTS OF ATLANTIC OCEANOGRAPHY
Abstract
Recent evidence confirms earlier theories that the deepest communication between the Eastern and Western Basins of the Atlantic Ocean lies in the region of the Romanche Trench where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge crosses the Equator. New topographic data suggests that the path of deepest communication is along either the Romanche or the Chain Fracture Zone. Hydrographic station data support this and indicate that the controlling depth is about 3750 meters, which is from 250-1000 meter shallower than earlier estimates. Possible paths of flow of the deep water from Western to Eastern Basin are shown. In investigating the characteristics of fogs resulting from the advection of cold air over warm water (steam fog and sea smoke), they are found to occur with air temperatures between 5 and 40 degrees Centigrade lower than the water temperature in winds from calm to gale; they have liquid water contents in the range 0.01-0.5 g per cu. m.; extend in height from 1 to 1,500 m. and commonly exhibit either a columnar or banded structure. A study of their occurrence in Atlantic waters reveals a marked concentration in the western regions in the winter months because of the proximity of warm ocean and cold continent. The occurrence and circumstances of steaming are analyzed. Close agreement is found between observations of the onset of steaming and the computed threshold values. Phytoplankton population and its environmental conditions are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0452883
Entities
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution