Formation and circulation of dense water in the Persian/Arabian Gulf

摘要: [1] The nature and circulation of water masses in the Persian/Arabian Gulf (hereinafter referred to as Gulf) is investigated by examination a historic database hydrographic observations. The densest forms winter at northern end rather than along warmer southern western coasts. With exception small amounts directly above seafloor, most flowing out mixes across density front that separates Deep Water within from Indian Ocean Surface (IOSW). Contrary previous inferences, seasonally variable incursion IOSW into peaks late spring. This timing may be due seasonal changes sea surface slope driven variations evaporation rate. In order explain mooring results published elsewhere show relatively volume flux through Strait Hormuz Strait), we suggest this difference between interior basin comparable depths outside Gulf. varies less 15% during year. High rates vertical mixing extend about 200 km westward response topographic constriction tidal flows islands shoals.