Circulation and hydrology under the seasonal ice in Mcmurdo Sound, Antarctica

Abstract

Results are presented here of measurements of current velocity, temperature and salinity made at seven positions in McMurdo Sound (77° 50’ S, 166° 30’ E): four near the seasonal ice/fast ice boundary, two along the seasonal ice/sea boundary, and one in a channel in the sea ice. Current velocities were strongly influenced by tides with speeds greatest during periods of high tidal range. Current velocities changed rapidly in the upper 100 m and current speeds generally increased with depth to within 200 m of the bottom. In the lower 200 m current speed decreased towards the bottom. The mean circulation near the seasonal ice/fast ice boundary, found by eliminating the tidal variation, appears to consist of an inflow of water towards the fast ice at positions further than a mile (1.3 km) from Ross Island and a nett outflow from under the fast ice at positions closer than a mile (1.3 km) from Ross Island. © 1971 Taylor & Francis Ltd.