AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Editors' Highlight

Recirculation of Atlantic Ocean water in the western Barents Sea

The Norwegian Atlantic Current passes water from the Atlantic Ocean through the Norwegian Sea and is thus the major source of oceanic heat and salt to the Arctic Ocean. Where the Norwegian Sea borders the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Atlantic Current splits and partially flows into the Barents Sea as the North Cape Current before it returns back to the Norwegian Sea through the Bear Island Trough. Using data from current meters and hydrographic sections in the area where the North Cape Current splits from the Norwegian Atlantic Current, Skagseth (2008) identified rates of water flux into and out of the Barents Sea. Analysis of temperature and salinity indicates that North Cape Current waters return back to the Norwegian Sea only after 7 months. Using a mixing model, the author found that the outflow water consists of about 80% of water derived from the Atlantic Ocean, cooled by 2.0°–2.5°C, indicating that water returning to the Norwegian Sea has not been well mixed with water from the Arctic and that such cooling needs to be included in heat budgets for the Barents Sea.

View abstract

View full article (Subscription required)