Deep and Bottom Water of the Weddell Seas Western Rim

Publication Type: 
Year of Publication: 
1993
Journal Title: 
Science
Journal Date: 
Oct 1
Volume: 
262
Issue: 
5130
Pages: 
95-97
ISBN Number: 
0036-8075
Accession Number: 
ISI:A1993LZ63500029
Key Words: 
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-degrees-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.

Notes: 

Lz635Times Cited:54Cited References Count:19