Two-dimensional temperature structure in the C-SALT thermohaline staircase

Abstract

Towed thermistor chain measurements made in the thermohaline staircase east of Barbados show evidence of convective plumes in the relatively homogeneous layers and centimeter-scale microstructure at all the interfaces, findings that support the occurrence of double-diffusive salt-finger convection. However, also observed are intrusions in the layers and non-uniform vertical temperature gradient in the thicker interfaces. This variability may complicate calculation of vertical fluxes of heat, salt and buoyancy through the staircase.