EVIDENCE FOR A NORTH PACIFIC DEEP WESTERN BOUNDARY CURRENT

Four current meter moorings arrayed across the Japan Trench near 35 de grees N yielded 2 years of deep current velocities in the vicinity of the Kuroshio where it separates from the Japanese coast. One- and 2-ye ar means are interpreted in the context of other observations, includi ng concurrent hydrography, as well as the results of earlier investiga tions. Principal findings are as follows: the presence of a persistent , southward deep western boundary current (1-2 cm s(-1)) along the slo pe (2000-4000 m) inshore of the Japan Trench; a generally northward de ep flow (similar to 4 cm s(-1)) over the trench, beneath the Kuroshio; and southward and eastward deep flows farther southeast of the Kurosh io separation. These deep, mean flows, particularly the one inshore of the Japan Trench, may be partly of thermohaline origin. Eddy-driven l ocal recirculations and bottom intensification are also likely.