The Upper and Deep Sound Channel in the Northeast Atlantic.
Abstract
Analysis of extensive historical sound velocity profile data east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between 20 degrees N latitude and Iceland indicates that warm, saline Mediterranean Intermediate Water and the effects of annual heating and cooling are responsible for marked departures from the basic trilinear vertical sound velocity structure found in most open ocean areas. South of about 43 degrees N latitude, Mediterranean Intermediate Water between 1000 and 1300 meters causes the formation of a subsurface sound velocity maximum, thereby creating an upper sound channel and a depressed deep sound channel. North of about 50 degrees N latitude, winter cooling causes the formation of a subsurface sound velocity maximum and summer warming results in the formation of a somewhat shoaler upper sound channel. Temperature-salinity and sound velocity comparisons for 12 selected locations throughout the Northeast Atlantic Ocean are presented in the appendix. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0866785
Entities
People
- Don F. Fenner
- Paul J. Bucca
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office