Modelling Circumpolar Deep Water intrusions on the Amundsen Sea continental shelf, Antarctica


Contact
Malte.Thoma [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Results are presented from an isopycnic coordinate model of ocean circulation in the Amundsen Sea, focusing on the delivery of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) to the inner continental shelf around Pine Island Bay. The warmest waters to reach this region are channeled through a submarine trough, accessed via bathymetric irregularities along the shelf break. Temporal variability in the influx of CDW is related to regional wind forcing. Easterly winds over the shelf edge change to westerlies when the Amundsen Sea Low migrates west and south in winter/spring. This drives seasonal on-shelf flow, while inter-annual changes in the wind forcing lead to inflow variability on a decadal timescale. A modelled period of warming following low CDW influx in the late 1980's and early 1990's coincides with a period of observed thinning and acceleration of Pine Island Glacier.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Programs
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
25479
DOI 10.1029/2008GL034939

Cite as
Thoma, M. , Jenkins, A. , Holland, D. and Jacobs, S. (2008): Modelling Circumpolar Deep Water intrusions on the Amundsen Sea continental shelf, Antarctica , Geophysical Research Letters, 35 (18) . doi: 10.1029/2008GL034939


Download
[thumbnail of 2008_Modelling_Circumpolar_Deep_Water_intrusions_on_the_Amundsen_Sea_continental_shelf_Antarctica.pdf]
Preview
PDF
2008_Modelling_Circumpolar_Deep_Water_intrusions_on_the_Amundsen_Sea_continental_shelf_Antarctica.pdf

Download (502kB) | Preview
Cite this document as:

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Research Platforms
N/A

Campaigns
N/A


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item