Suggested water mass definitions for the central and northern Barents Sea, and the adjacent Nansen Basin

Abstract

The current research focus on the northern Barents Sea and the adjacent Nansen Basin has highlighted a need for common reference terms when discussing water mass origins and modification processes. Several relevant water mass definitions have been proposed and applied over the years, but these often focus either on water masses in the southern and central part of the Barents Sea, or on the deep interior Arctic Ocean. This report provides suggestions for quite broad water mass definitions that can be applied throughout this region – supplied by additional, more specific definitions as needed.