Thermohaline Data and Ocean Circulation on the Ross Sea Continental Shelf

Abstract

The ocean station data base on the Ross Sea continental shelf includes measurements from more than fifty cruises, and a few observations through ice holes. Using representative salinity and temperaJacobs, S. S., & Giulivi, C. F. (1999). Thermohaline data and ocean circulation on the Ross Sea continental shelf. Oceanography of the Ross Sea, Antarctica, 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2250-8_1ture transects from the summers of 1962-63, 1976-77 and 1983-84, we briefly review the ocean stratification and circulation, identifying five primary water masses. Year-round salinity profiles at a single location in 1960-61 and early winter temperature profiles along the dateline in 1995 are discussed in relation to anticipated seasonal changes. A strong zonal salinity gradient and substantial differences between two representations of the shelf data base reveal the need for caution in modelling and bottom water investigations. Long term observations of shelf water salinity and studies of the inflow of modified deep water would help in the evaluation of recent evidence for marked interannual and decadal variability on the continental shelf.