Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Dynamics in the Deep Canada Basin, Arctic Ocean, Inferred by Thermistor Chain Time Series

M-L. Timmermans Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

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H. Melling Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

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L. Rainville Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

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Print Publication:
01 Apr 2007
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO3032.1
Page(s):
1066–1076
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Abstract

A 50-day time series of high-resolution temperature in the deepest layers of the Canada Basin in the Arctic Ocean indicates that the deep Canada Basin is a dynamically active environment, not the quiet, stable basin often assumed. Vertical motions at the near-inertial (tidal) frequency have amplitudes of 10– 20 m. These vertical displacements are surprisingly large considering the downward near-inertial internal wave energy flux typically observed in the Canada Basin. In addition to motion in the internal-wave frequency band, the measurements indicate distinctive subinertial temperature fluctuations, possibly due to intrusions of new water masses.

Corresponding author address: Mary-Louise Timmermans, WHOI, MS 21, Woods Hole, MA 02453. Email: mtimmermans@whoi.edu

Abstract

A 50-day time series of high-resolution temperature in the deepest layers of the Canada Basin in the Arctic Ocean indicates that the deep Canada Basin is a dynamically active environment, not the quiet, stable basin often assumed. Vertical motions at the near-inertial (tidal) frequency have amplitudes of 10– 20 m. These vertical displacements are surprisingly large considering the downward near-inertial internal wave energy flux typically observed in the Canada Basin. In addition to motion in the internal-wave frequency band, the measurements indicate distinctive subinertial temperature fluctuations, possibly due to intrusions of new water masses.

Corresponding author address: Mary-Louise Timmermans, WHOI, MS 21, Woods Hole, MA 02453. Email: mtimmermans@whoi.edu

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