Flow of winter-transformed Pacific water into the Western Arctic

摘要: Abstract The dynamics of the flow dense water through Barrow Canyon is investigated using data from a hydrographic survey in summer 2002. focus on winter-transformed Bering water—the highest volumetric mode winter Chukchi Sea—which drains northward canyon spring and summer. transport this mass during time was 0.2–0.3 Sv. As layer flowed head to mouth, it sank, decelerated, stretched. Strong cyclonic relative vorticity generated seaward side jet, which compensated for stretching. This adjustment incomplete, however, that did not extend across entire current, possibly because internal mixing due shear instabilities. resulting structure at mouth conducive baroclinic instability eddy formation. Multiple eddies were observed along Chukchi–Beaufort shelfbreak. Those west process being spawned by eastward-flowing shelfbreak current emanating Herald Canyon, while single east originated outflow. It argued such an formation major source ubiquitous cold-core anti-cyclones historically throughout Canada Basin. Implications ventilation upper halocline Western Arctic are discussed.