Heat transport through the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Ocean.
Context
(a) Mean velocity vectors at 500 m from Orca 12 model outputs (blue arrows) and from current meter moorings (500 m, red arrows). (b) Mean velocity vectors at 2500 m from Orca 12 model outputs (blue arrows) and from current meter moorings (2500 m, red arrows). Mean flow from Orca 12 model outputs were estimated during DRAKE measurements period (2006 – 2009). The three green arrows at MS4, ST and M9 in a) correspond to the upper level at those moorings which is about 1000 m (not 500m). The green arrow at ML6 in b corresponds to that mooring lower level that is 1300 m. Bottom topography shallower than 3000 m is shaded in gray.
Results
The great comparison between the in situ data and the 1/12° degree resolution of the ORCA12 model outputs allow us to better understand the main pattern highlighted by the in situ data regarding heat fluxes and volume transport through the Drake Passage. We are now working with the same model to analyze the variability of the Malvinas current and the water masses and their evolution (stratification…) in the Arctic Ocean.
Usage
Comparison between Mercator Ocean products and current meter moorings.
