Detection, Structure, and Origin of Extreme Anomalies in a Western Atlantic Oceanographic Section

Abstract

Evans-Hamilton, Inc., Seattle, WA 98115, USA J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) Ten anomalous water parcels were detected in the water column of a western Atlanctic oceanographic section (0-5550 m; 70 degree W; 23-33 degree N). The parcels had extreme properties lying either two standard deviations from historical mean values, or estimated origins lying 2,000 km from the oceanographic section. Detection, structure, and origin of the parcels were determined from analyses on isobaric and isopycnal surfaces using eight kinds of measurements: temperature, salinity, oxygen, light scattering, silicate, phosphate, nitrate, and tritium. The parcels originated from seven of the major water masses comprising the North Atlantic Ocean. As observed along the oceanographic section the parcels had the following average (range) characteristics: vertical pressure extent = 650 db (100-1,500 db); horizontal extent = 130 km (30-260 km); and distance to orig...