J. Fischer et al., DEEP-WATER MASSES AND TRANSPORTS IN THE VEMA FRACTURE-ZONE, Deep-sea research. Part 1. Oceanographic research papers, 43(7), 1996, pp. 1067-1074
Recent results from hydrographic, chlorofluoromethane (CFM) and curren
t measurements during an R.V. Meteor cruise in February/March 1994 und
erscore the importance of the Vema Fracture Zone (VFZ), located near 1
1 degrees N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, for the transport of bottom wat
er from the deep western basin of the equatorial Atlantic into the eas
tern abyss. The eastward transport in the bottom water range, of 1;8-2
.0 Sv below 2.0 degrees C, and of 2.1-2.4 Sv below the level of no mot
ion at 3640 m, was determined by a combination of geostrophic calculat
ions and direct current observations by a lowered ADCP. The comparison
to former results indicates that the eastward flow in the VFZ is rath
er persistent. The water mass properties (Theta, S and CFMs) in the VF
Z were compared to stations in the Guiana Basin, in the equatorial cha
nnel, and in the Brazil Basin at 10 degrees S suggesting a significant
contribution of North Atlantic Deep Water to the entire bottom water
layer in the VFZ. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
.