Contribution of salt‐fingering to the conveyor belt circulation in the abyssal northern Indian Ocean

Abstract

The abyssal northern Indian Ocean shows relatively high temperature and salinity. Previous study of You (Deep‐Sea Research I, 46, 109–148, 1999) demonstrated that this is due to salt‐fingering which brings salt and heat from the upper layer to the depth. However, conveyor belt circulation requires upwelling there. This study further demonstrates that whilst salt‐fingering brings salt and heat to the abyssal water, the processes concurrently result in upward dianeutral motion. Therefore, it is consistent with the conveyor belt circulation.