Double-diffusive layering in the Eurasian basin of the Arctic Ocean

The central basins of the Arctic Ocean, below the surface mixed layer and r emote from peripheral boundary currents, comprise an extremely low energy o ceanic environment. Water masses having distinctly different Theta-S charac teristics are organised throughout the central basins in extensive layers, consistent with occurrence of double-diffusive convection. In the Eurasian Basin, these structures can be explained by invoking formation along the na rrow frontal region associated with the confluence of Fram Strait and Baren ts Sea waters north of the Kara Sea, and subsequent advection by the main c irculation field. The presence of features in the interior of the basins re quires a combination of processes that could include self-induced migration , through double-diffusive convection, as well as advection, across the cen tral regions having weak horizontal gradients in temperature and salinity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.