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On the middepth circulation and salinity field in the North Atlantic Ocean

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
Examination of the density field suggests that the large-scale anticyclonic gyre generally supposed to obtain within the upper waters of the North Atlantic Ocean is considerably altered at middepths. Not only is there a strong return flow westward just south and east of the Gulf Stream-North Atlantic Current, but this return flow also turns southward near 30/sup 0/N and continues eastward all across the Atlantic. The warm and saline waters of the outflow from the Mediterranean Sea join the westward return flow south of the Gulf Stream-North Atlantic Current and are carried westward as they spread and mix, providing the great wedge of warm, saline waters found from 600 to 2500 m in the North Atlantic.
Research Organization:
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California 92093
OSTI ID:
6536576
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 83:C10; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English