Diurnal to interannual variability in the Northeast Atlantic from hydrographic transects and fixed time-series across the Rockall Trough

Abstract

The southern entrance to the Rockall Trough is subject to a complex set of dynamic processes, influenced by Atlantic gyre interactions, the North Atlantic Current, slope boundary currents, variable wind stress forcing, mesoscale activity, and a changing supply of modified water masses formed elsewhere in the Atlantic. These processes drive large temporal and spatial variations, and mixing of surface and intermediate water mass properties that advect through the Trough and drive variations in the deeper waters circulating around it. Here, we investigate variability across the southern and central Rockall Trough from standard hydrographic sections (2006–2022) and deepwater moored subsurface measurements, to better understand changes in water column characteristics and water mass modification during advection through the Rockall Trough and track the aftermath of recent freshening events. Rapid and longer-term physical changes are assessed along with spatial variability and watermass interaction. Interannual variability is large across intermediate depths, deeper circulations are regenerated and a salinity core associated with the eastern boundary current is detailed. Establishing, maintaining, monitoring and analysis of observational ocean time-series datasets are a fundamental requirement for managing and conserving crucial biological resources and are key to understanding oceanic and earth system change.