Seasonal variation in circulation and water mass distribution onthe Ross Sea continental shelf

[摘要] Changes in water mass distribution and horizontal circulation due to seasonal influences on theRoss Sea continental shelf are investigated using a circumpolar numerical model. An anticycloniccirculation cell that extends across the open shelf and into the ice shelf cavity is formed in the model. Theincreased east–west density gradient caused by the strong brine release in the Ross Sea polynya in winterresults in an intensification of this anticyclonic cell from 1.5 Sv to 2.5 Sv. This supports the concept of athermohaline-driven horizontal circulation on the Ross Sea continental shelf. In addition to a temporalchange in the circulation strength, the changes in the density structure lead to complex temporal and spatialvariability in the circulation around Ross Island. Due to seasonal variation in circulation strength and watertemperatures, the area averaged basal melt rate of 25 cm a−1 shows a bimodal seasonal cycle ranging from20–28 cm a−1, with maxima in March and August.

[学科分类] 自然科学（综合）