Arctic Ocean Circulation
371
Summary
The Arctic Ocean circulation is characterized by a cyclonic Arctic Ocean
Boundary Current and cyclonic gyres in the different sub basins.
Surface winds, and the associated Ekman pumping, is already able to close
geostrophic contours in the deep ocean as the potential vorticity in the deep
ocean is influenced by the depth averaged (Sverdrup) flow. Bottom topography
also contributes to the closure of geostrophic contours.
Once closed contours exist in the lower layer, flow is possible in this layer
through frictional coupling with the upper layer.
The flow in the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas is strongly controlled by bottom
topography as geostrophic contours are closed over much of the flow domain.
371
Summary
The Arctic Ocean circulation is characterized by a cyclonic Arctic Ocean
Boundary Current and cyclonic gyres in the different sub basins.
Surface winds, and the associated Ekman pumping, is already able to close
geostrophic contours in the deep ocean as the potential vorticity in the deep
ocean is influenced by the depth averaged (Sverdrup) flow. Bottom topography
also contributes to the closure of geostrophic contours.
Once closed contours exist in the lower layer, flow is possible in this layer
through frictional coupling with the upper layer.
The flow in the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas is strongly controlled by bottom
topography as geostrophic contours are closed over much of the flow domain.