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Rare earth element transport in the western North Atlantic inferred from Nd isotopic observations

Journal Article · · Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta; (United States)
The isotopic composition of Nd in the water column from several western North Atlantic sites and formational areas for North Atlantic Deep Water shows extensive vertical structure at all locations. In regions where a thermocline is well-developed, large isotopic shifts (2 to 3 epsilon units) are observed across the base of the thermocline. Regions without a thermocline are characterized by much more gradual shifts in isotopic composition with depth. In general, the data reveal an excellent correlation between the Nd isotopic distribution in the western North Atlantic water column and the distribution of water masses identified from temperature and salinity characteristics. NADW, as identified from T-S properties, is also characterized by a well-defined isotopic composition having epsilonsub(Nd)(0) = -13.5 +- 0.5. This signature is associated with waters identified as NADW from high latitudes near formational areas in the Labrador Sea down to the equatorial region. The isotopic signature of NADW would appear to be formed by a blend of more negative waters originating in the Labrador Sea and more positive waters originating in the overflows from the Norwegian and Greenland Seas and is consistent with classical theories on the formation of NADW.
Research Organization:
California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, USA. Div. of Geological and Planetary Sciences
OSTI ID:
6417510
Journal Information:
Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta; (United States), Journal Name: Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta; (United States) Vol. 51:5; ISSN GCACA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English