Heat Transport into the North Atlantic Ocean North of 32°N Latitude

Abstract

Univ. Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) Direct velocity and temperature measurements obtained on a bimonthly basis from September 1980 to May 1983 in the Gulf Stream at 73 degree W longitude were used in combination with historical hydrographic and current meter data across the remainder of the ocean to obtain an annual mean estimate, as well seasonally averaged estimates, of poleward heat transport in the North Atlantic Ocean at 32 degree N latitude. The annual mean heat transport was found to be northward across 32 degree N with a magnitude of (1.38 plus or minus 0.19) x 10 super(15) W and with an annual cycle of about 0.4 x 10 super(15) W from its minimum in the first half of the year to its maximum in the second half. The main contribution to the annual cycle comes from the Gulf Stream. The heat transport at 32 degree N was also examined in terms of the mass transport of different temperature cl...