An investigation of the waters of the East Greenland current /

Abstract

Abstract : A dense network of conductivity-temperature-death (CTD) measurements made over the eastern Greenland continental shelf and slope between 81 N and 75 N provided new detail on the water properties and circulation on the shelf and at the adjacent East Greenland Polar Front (EGPF). The EGPF approaches the shelf break rapidly between 80 N and 78 N remaining 20 to 30 km east of it thereafter at least until 75 N. A filament of Atlantic Water (AW) was found close to the eastern side of the front which became generally cooler with decreasing latitude, suggesting that the majority of the contribution of the West Spitzbergen Current to the southward flowing Return Atlantic Current occurs north of 78 N. The portion of the shelf investigated is cut by several troughs generally oriented east-west; two of which are joined by a north-south depression west of Belgica Bank. Dynamic topography, water properties and ice movement suggest an anti-cyclonic surface circulation over this system of troughs and banks with AIW advecting up the troughs from the east. (Author).