Physical Oceanography of Arctic and Subarctic Seas.
Abstract
The Arctic Ocean is a Mediterranean sea of the Atlantic Ocean which is strongly affected by the unique feature of an ice cover. The ice influences the temperature and salinity structure as well as the transfer of momentum and heat at the ocean surface. Deep water exchange is possible with the Atlantic through the Greenland Sea, but in the shallow layers water additions from Arctic rivers and exchanges with the Norwegian Sea and via the Bering Strait and Canadian Archipelago are also important. Three water masses are identified: (1) Fresh cold Arctic Surface Water (0-200m); (2) warm salty Atlantic Water (200-900m), and (3) cold salty Bottom Water (> 900 m). The circulation as inferred from property distributions and direct current measurements is presented. The water masses and circulation pattern in the adjacent Greenland Sea are described. Budgets of water (mass) and heat for the Arctic Ocean calculated from the best estimates of the exchanges at the boundaries of the ocean are elucidated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA005380
Entities
People
- K. Aagaard
- L. K. Coachman
Organizations
- University of Washington