Arctic Ocean Circulation

Abstract

The Arctic Ocean circulation is characterized by a cyclonic Arctic Ocean Boundary Current and cyclonic gyres in the different sub basins. Surface winds, and the associated Ekman pumping, is already able to close geostrophic contours in the deep ocean as the potential vorticity in the deep ocean is influenced by the depth averaged (Sverdrup) flow. Bottom topography also contributes to the closure of geostrophic contours. Once closed contours exist in the lower layer, flow is possible in this layer through frictional coupling with the upper layer. The flow in the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas is strongly controlled by bottom topography as geostrophic contours are closed over much of the flow domain.