The spreading of Lower Circumpolar Deep Water in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

A Stommel-Arons model of the circulation of Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (LCDW) in the Atlantic Ocean is presented and compared with observations. The model is forced by a concentrated source in the Weddell Sea. It is compensated by upwelling over the rest of the Atlantic. Best agreement with observed net transport rates in the western Atlantic was found using a LCDW formation rate of about 8 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s-1). In reality, however, a higher rate is required in order to establish the outflow to the Indian Ocean. The interior transport, the transport through topographic gaps, and the transport rates of western boundary currents on the eastern flanks of topographic barriers are calculated and compared with observations where available. -from Author