Diffusive vertical heat flux in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean inferred from moored instruments

摘要: [1] Observational studies have shown that an unprecedented warm anomaly has recently affected the temperature of Atlantic Water (AW) layer lying at intermediate depth in Arctic Ocean. Using observations from four profiling moorings, deployed interior Canada Basin between 2003 and 2011, upward diffusive vertical heat flux this is quantified. Vertical diffusivity first estimated a fine-scale parameterization method based on CTD velocity profiles. Resulting fluxes AW are range 0.1–0.2 W m−2 average. Although large over period considered, variations maximum yields small for gradient thus flux. In most areas, only limited effect overlying layer. However, presence eddies might be effective mechanism to enhance transfer, although number sampled by moorings suggest remains intermittent space time. Finally, our results computing with constant ∼2 × 10−6 m2 s−1 provides reasonable estimate transfer layer, approximation breaks down eddies.