Deep and Bottom Water of the Weddell Sea's Western Rim


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agordon [ at ] ldeo.columbia.edu

Abstract

Oceanographic observations from the Ice Station Weddell 1 show that the western rim of the Weddell Gyre contributes to Weddell Sea Bottom Water. A thin (<300 meters), highly oxygenated benthic layer is composed of a low-salinity type of bottom water overlying a high-salinity component. This complex layering disappears near 66°S because of vertical mixing and further inflow from the continental margin. The bottom water flowing out of the western rim is a blend of the two types. Additionally, the data show that a narrow band of warmer Weddell Deep Water hugged the continental margin as it flowed into the western rim, providing the continental margin with the salt required for bottom-water production.



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Eprint ID
3533
DOI https://www.doi.org/10.1126/science.262.5130.95

Cite as
Gordon, A. L. , Huber, B. A. , Hellmer, H. H. and Ffield, A. (1993): Deep and Bottom Water of the Weddell Sea's Western Rim , Science, 262 (5130), pp. 95-97 . doi: https://www.doi.org/10.1126/science.262.5130.95


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