{sup 14}C and {sub 39}Ar distribution in the central arctic ocean: Implications for deep water formation
We present (delta 14) C and (39) Ar data collected in the Nansen, Amundsen and Makarov basins during two expeditions to the central Arctic Ocean . The data are used, together with published (delta 14) C values, to describe the distribution of (delta 14) C in all major basins of the Arctic Ocean, as well as the (39) Ar distributions, we derive information on the mean `isolation ages`of the deep and bottom waters of the Arctic Ocean. The data point toward mean ages of the bottom waters in the Eurasian Basin (Nansen and Amundsen Basins) of ca. 250-300 yr. The deep waters of the Amundsen Basin show slightly higher 3H concentrations than those in the Nansen Basin, indicating the addition of a higher fraction of water that has been at the sea surface during the past few decades. Correction for the bomb 14 C added to the deep water along with bomb 3H yields isolation ages for the bulk of the deep and bottom waters of the Amundsen Basin similar to those estimated for the Nansen Basin.
- Research Organization:
- Columbia Univ., Palisades, NY (United States). Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
- OSTI ID:
- 107904
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A--286806/5/XAB; CNN: Contracts N00014-90-J-1362, NSF-DPP90-22890
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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