Circulation and hydrology under the seasonal ice in McMurdo Sound,Antarctica |
| |
| Authors: | R A Heath |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Scientific and Industrial Research , New Zealand Oceanographic Institute , Wellington, New Zealand |
| |
| Abstract: | Results are presented here of measurements of current velocity, temperature and salinity made at seven positions in McMurdo Sound (77° 50’ S, 166° 30’ E): four near the seasonal ice/fast ice boundary, two along the seasonal ice/sea boundary, and one in a channel in the sea ice. Current velocities were strongly influenced by tides with speeds greatest during periods of high tidal range. Current velocities changed rapidly in the upper 100 m and current speeds generally increased with depth to within 200 m of the bottom. In the lower 200 m current speed decreased towards the bottom. The mean circulation near the seasonal ice/fast ice boundary, found by eliminating the tidal variation, appears to consist of an inflow of water towards the fast ice at positions further than a mile (1.3 km) from Ross Island and a nett outflow from under the fast ice at positions closer than a mile (1.3 km) from Ross Island. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
