Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 10 Mean annual and mean seasonal total volume transport estimates (a), the respective barotropic
components (b) and baroclinic components (c) for the Svinøy section including the NwASC and the
NwAFC for the period 1993-2010 based on combined use of GOCE, altimetry and in situ hydrography data.
The grayscale legend is shown in (a)
5.
New understanding of the relationship between the MDT, the mean surface
geostrophic current and the magnitude of the mean ocean volume transport has been
derived for the seasonal variability with regard to the inflow of Atlantic Water to the
Norwegian Sea at the Svinøy section.
6.
The NwASC contains approximately 60 % of the total volume flux across the Svinøy
section with a distinct transport maximum in winter (Dec-Jan) and a minimum in
summer
(Jun-Aug).
This
transport
is
moreover
dominated
by
the
barotropic
component.
7. These data and findings are also excellent for assessment and validation of model-
based retrieval of the MDT, the surface geostrophic current and the volume transport
across selected sections and straits.
Overall, the findings add new insight into the ocean circulation and transport between
the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. They are also considered to be highly
valuable for further studies of the regional sea-level change in the Nordic Seas and the
Arctic Ocean, notable via the contribution of steric height and changes in the volume
transport. Consistent use of the GOCE data for assimilation as suggested by Haines et al.
(
2011
) might also become feasible in near future.
Moreover, as gravity measurements provide an integrated view of the mass variations,
their interpretation in terms of mass transport is inherently multidisciplinary. Satellite
