Articles | Volume 16, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-685-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-685-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Norwegian Atlantic Slope Current along the Lofoten Escarpment
Geophysical institute, University of Bergen, and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Anthony Bosse
Geophysical institute, University of Bergen, and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
now at: Aix-Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, Marseille, France
Johannes Dugstad
Geophysical institute, University of Bergen, and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Related authors
Kjersti Kalhagen, Ragnheid Skogseth, Till M. Baumann, Eva Falck, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 20, 981–1001, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Atlantic water (AW) is a key driver of change in the Barents Sea. We studied an emerging pathway through the Svalbard Archipelago that allows AW to enter the Barents Sea. We found that the Atlantic sector near the study site has warmed over the past 2 decades; that Atlantic-origin waters intermittently enter the Barents Sea through the aforementioned pathway; and that heat transport is driven by tides, wind events, and variations in the upstream current system.
Eivind H. Kolås, Ilker Fer, and Till M. Baumann
Ocean Sci., 20, 895–916, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In the northwestern Barents Sea, we study the Barents Sea Polar Front formed by Atlantic Water meeting Polar Water. Analyses of ship and glider data from October 2020 to February 2021 show a density front with warm, salty water intruding under cold, fresh water. Short-term variability is linked to tidal currents and mesoscale eddies, influencing front position, density slopes and water mass transformation. Despite seasonal changes in the upper layers, the front remains stable below 100 m depth.
Ivan Kuznetsov, Benjamin Rabe, Alexey Androsov, Ying-Chih Fang, Mario Hoppmann, Alejandra Quintanilla-Zurita, Sven Harig, Sandra Tippenhauer, Kirstin Schulz, Volker Mohrholz, Ilker Fer, Vera Fofonova, and Markus Janout
Ocean Sci., 20, 759–777, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-759-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-759-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our research introduces a tool for dynamically mapping the Arctic Ocean using data from the MOSAiC experiment. Incorporating extensive data into a model clarifies the ocean's structure and movement. Our findings on temperature, salinity, and currents reveal how water layers mix and identify areas of intense water movement. This enhances understanding of Arctic Ocean dynamics and supports climate impact studies. Our work is vital for comprehending this key region in global climate science.
Eivind H. Kolås, Tore Mo-Bjørkelund, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 18, 389–400, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-389-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-389-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A turbulence instrument was installed on a light autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and deployed in the Barents Sea in February 2021. We present the data quality and discuss limitations when measuring turbulence from the AUV. AUV vibrations contaminate the turbulence measurements, yet the measurements were sufficiently cleaned when the AUV operated in turbulent environments. In quiescent environments the noise from the AUV became relatively large, making the turbulence measurements unreliable.
Johannes S. Dugstad, Pål Erik Isachsen, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 17, 651–674, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-651-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-651-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify the mesoscale eddy field in the Lofoten Basin using Lagrangian model trajectories and aim to estimate the relative importance of eddies compared to the ambient flow in transporting warm Atlantic Water to the Lofoten Basin as well as modifying it. Water properties are largely changed in eddies compared to the ambient flow. However, only a relatively small fraction of eddies is detected in the basin. The ambient flow therefore dominates the heat transport to the Lofoten Basin.
Zoe Koenig, Eivind H. Kolås, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 17, 365–381, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-365-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-365-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The Arctic Ocean is a major sink for heat and salt for the global ocean. Ocean mixing contributes to this sink by mixing the Atlantic and Pacific waters with surrounding waters. We investigate the drivers of ocean mixing north of Svalbard based on observations collected during two research cruises in 2018 as part of the Nansen Legacy project. We found that wind and tidal forcing are the main drivers and that 1 % of the Atlantic Water heat loss can be attributed to vertical turbulent mixing.
Erik M. Bruvik, Ilker Fer, Kjetil Våge, and Peter M. Haugan
Ocean Sci., 16, 291–305, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-291-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-291-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
A concept of small and slow ocean gliders or profiling floats with wings is explored. These robots or drones measure the ocean temperature and currents. Even if the speed is very slow, only 13 cm s1, it is possible to navigate the (simulated) ocean using a navigation method called Eulerian roaming. The slow speed and size conserve a lot of energy and enable scientific missions of years at sea.
Eivind Kolås and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 14, 1603–1618, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1603-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1603-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Measurements of ocean currents, stratification and microstructure collected northwest of Svalbard are used to characterize the evolution of the warm Atlantic current. The measured turbulent heat flux is too small to account for the observed cooling rate of the current. The estimated contribution of diffusion by eddies could be limited to one half of the observed heat loss. Mixing in the bottom boundary layer, driven by cross-slope flow of buoyant water, can be important.
Jenny E. Ullgren, Elin Darelius, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 12, 451–470, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-451-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-451-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
One-year long moored measurements of currents and hydrographic properties in the overflow region of the Faroe Bank Channel have provided a more accurate observational-based estimate of the volume transport, entrainment, and eddy diffusivities associated with the overflow plume. The data set resolves the temporal variability and covers the entire lateral and vertical extent of the plume.
E. Darelius, I. Fer, T. Rasmussen, C. Guo, and K. M. H. Larsen
Ocean Sci., 11, 855–871, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-855-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-855-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Quasi-regular eddies are known to be generated in the outflow of dense water through the Faroe Bank Channel. One year long mooring records from the plume region show that (1) the energy associated with the eddies varies by a factor of 10 throughout the year and (2) the frequency of the eddies shifts between 3 and 6 days and is related to the strength of the outflow. Similar variability is shown by a high-resolution regional model and the observations agree with theory on baroclinic instability.
I. Fer, M. Müller, and A. K. Peterson
Ocean Sci., 11, 287–304, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-287-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-287-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Over the Yermak Plateau northwest of Svalbard there is substantial energy conversion from barotropic to internal tides. Internal tides are trapped along the topography. An approximate local conversion-to-dissipation balance is found over
shallows and also in the deep part of the sloping flanks. Dissipation of
tidal energy can be a significant contributor to turbulent mixing and cooling of the Atlantic layer in the Arctic Ocean.
T. Vihma, R. Pirazzini, I. Fer, I. A. Renfrew, J. Sedlar, M. Tjernström, C. Lüpkes, T. Nygård, D. Notz, J. Weiss, D. Marsan, B. Cheng, G. Birnbaum, S. Gerland, D. Chechin, and J. C. Gascard
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 9403–9450, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-9403-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-9403-2014, 2014
M. Bakhoday Paskyabi and I. Fer
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 21, 713–733, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-713-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-713-2014, 2014
E. Støylen and I. Fer
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 21, 87–100, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-87-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-87-2014, 2014
Kjersti Kalhagen, Ragnheid Skogseth, Till M. Baumann, Eva Falck, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 20, 981–1001, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Atlantic water (AW) is a key driver of change in the Barents Sea. We studied an emerging pathway through the Svalbard Archipelago that allows AW to enter the Barents Sea. We found that the Atlantic sector near the study site has warmed over the past 2 decades; that Atlantic-origin waters intermittently enter the Barents Sea through the aforementioned pathway; and that heat transport is driven by tides, wind events, and variations in the upstream current system.
Eivind H. Kolås, Ilker Fer, and Till M. Baumann
Ocean Sci., 20, 895–916, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In the northwestern Barents Sea, we study the Barents Sea Polar Front formed by Atlantic Water meeting Polar Water. Analyses of ship and glider data from October 2020 to February 2021 show a density front with warm, salty water intruding under cold, fresh water. Short-term variability is linked to tidal currents and mesoscale eddies, influencing front position, density slopes and water mass transformation. Despite seasonal changes in the upper layers, the front remains stable below 100 m depth.
Ivan Kuznetsov, Benjamin Rabe, Alexey Androsov, Ying-Chih Fang, Mario Hoppmann, Alejandra Quintanilla-Zurita, Sven Harig, Sandra Tippenhauer, Kirstin Schulz, Volker Mohrholz, Ilker Fer, Vera Fofonova, and Markus Janout
Ocean Sci., 20, 759–777, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-759-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-759-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our research introduces a tool for dynamically mapping the Arctic Ocean using data from the MOSAiC experiment. Incorporating extensive data into a model clarifies the ocean's structure and movement. Our findings on temperature, salinity, and currents reveal how water layers mix and identify areas of intense water movement. This enhances understanding of Arctic Ocean dynamics and supports climate impact studies. Our work is vital for comprehending this key region in global climate science.
Stéphanie Barrillon, Robin Fuchs, Anne A. Petrenko, Caroline Comby, Anthony Bosse, Christophe Yohia, Jean-Luc Fuda, Nagib Bhairy, Frédéric Cyr, Andrea M. Doglioli, Gérald Grégori, Roxane Tzortzis, Francesco d'Ovidio, and Melilotus Thyssen
Biogeosciences, 20, 141–161, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-141-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-141-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Extreme weather events can have a major impact on ocean physics and biogeochemistry, but their study is challenging. In May 2019, an intense storm occurred in the north-western Mediterranean Sea, during which in situ multi-platform measurements were performed. The results show a strong impact on the surface phytoplankton, highlighting the need for high-resolution measurements coupling physics and biology during these violent events that may become more common in the context of global change.
Katia Mallil, Pierre Testor, Anthony Bosse, Félix Margirier, Loic Houpert, Hervé Le Goff, Laurent Mortier, and Ferial Louanchi
Ocean Sci., 18, 937–952, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-937-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-937-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Our study documents the circulation in the Algerian Basin of the western Mediterranean Sea using in situ data. It shows that the Algerian Gyres have an impact on the distribution at intermediate depth of Levantine Intermediate Water. They allow a westward transport from the south of Sardinia toward the interior of the Algerian Basin. Temperature and salinity trends of this water mass are also investigated, confirming a recent acceleration of the warming and salinification during the last decade.
Eivind H. Kolås, Tore Mo-Bjørkelund, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 18, 389–400, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-389-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-389-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A turbulence instrument was installed on a light autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and deployed in the Barents Sea in February 2021. We present the data quality and discuss limitations when measuring turbulence from the AUV. AUV vibrations contaminate the turbulence measurements, yet the measurements were sufficiently cleaned when the AUV operated in turbulent environments. In quiescent environments the noise from the AUV became relatively large, making the turbulence measurements unreliable.
Johannes S. Dugstad, Pål Erik Isachsen, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 17, 651–674, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-651-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-651-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify the mesoscale eddy field in the Lofoten Basin using Lagrangian model trajectories and aim to estimate the relative importance of eddies compared to the ambient flow in transporting warm Atlantic Water to the Lofoten Basin as well as modifying it. Water properties are largely changed in eddies compared to the ambient flow. However, only a relatively small fraction of eddies is detected in the basin. The ambient flow therefore dominates the heat transport to the Lofoten Basin.
Zoe Koenig, Eivind H. Kolås, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 17, 365–381, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-365-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-365-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The Arctic Ocean is a major sink for heat and salt for the global ocean. Ocean mixing contributes to this sink by mixing the Atlantic and Pacific waters with surrounding waters. We investigate the drivers of ocean mixing north of Svalbard based on observations collected during two research cruises in 2018 as part of the Nansen Legacy project. We found that wind and tidal forcing are the main drivers and that 1 % of the Atlantic Water heat loss can be attributed to vertical turbulent mixing.
Erik M. Bruvik, Ilker Fer, Kjetil Våge, and Peter M. Haugan
Ocean Sci., 16, 291–305, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-291-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-291-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
A concept of small and slow ocean gliders or profiling floats with wings is explored. These robots or drones measure the ocean temperature and currents. Even if the speed is very slow, only 13 cm s1, it is possible to navigate the (simulated) ocean using a navigation method called Eulerian roaming. The slow speed and size conserve a lot of energy and enable scientific missions of years at sea.
Eivind Kolås and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 14, 1603–1618, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1603-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1603-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Measurements of ocean currents, stratification and microstructure collected northwest of Svalbard are used to characterize the evolution of the warm Atlantic current. The measured turbulent heat flux is too small to account for the observed cooling rate of the current. The estimated contribution of diffusion by eddies could be limited to one half of the observed heat loss. Mixing in the bottom boundary layer, driven by cross-slope flow of buoyant water, can be important.
Jenny E. Ullgren, Elin Darelius, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 12, 451–470, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-451-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-451-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
One-year long moored measurements of currents and hydrographic properties in the overflow region of the Faroe Bank Channel have provided a more accurate observational-based estimate of the volume transport, entrainment, and eddy diffusivities associated with the overflow plume. The data set resolves the temporal variability and covers the entire lateral and vertical extent of the plume.
E. Darelius, I. Fer, T. Rasmussen, C. Guo, and K. M. H. Larsen
Ocean Sci., 11, 855–871, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-855-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-855-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Quasi-regular eddies are known to be generated in the outflow of dense water through the Faroe Bank Channel. One year long mooring records from the plume region show that (1) the energy associated with the eddies varies by a factor of 10 throughout the year and (2) the frequency of the eddies shifts between 3 and 6 days and is related to the strength of the outflow. Similar variability is shown by a high-resolution regional model and the observations agree with theory on baroclinic instability.
I. Fer, M. Müller, and A. K. Peterson
Ocean Sci., 11, 287–304, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-287-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-287-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Over the Yermak Plateau northwest of Svalbard there is substantial energy conversion from barotropic to internal tides. Internal tides are trapped along the topography. An approximate local conversion-to-dissipation balance is found over
shallows and also in the deep part of the sloping flanks. Dissipation of
tidal energy can be a significant contributor to turbulent mixing and cooling of the Atlantic layer in the Arctic Ocean.
T. Vihma, R. Pirazzini, I. Fer, I. A. Renfrew, J. Sedlar, M. Tjernström, C. Lüpkes, T. Nygård, D. Notz, J. Weiss, D. Marsan, B. Cheng, G. Birnbaum, S. Gerland, D. Chechin, and J. C. Gascard
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 9403–9450, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-9403-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-9403-2014, 2014
M. Bakhoday Paskyabi and I. Fer
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 21, 713–733, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-713-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-713-2014, 2014
E. Støylen and I. Fer
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 21, 87–100, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-87-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-21-87-2014, 2014
Related subject area
Approach: In situ Observations | Depth range: All Depths | Geographical range: Nordic Seas | Phenomena: Current Field
Does the East Greenland Current exist in the northern Fram Strait?
Overflow of cold water across the Iceland–Faroe Ridge through the Western Valley
Volume transport and mixing of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow from one year of moored measurements
On the modulation of the periodicity of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow instabilities
Transport of volume, heat, and salt towards the Arctic in the Faroe Current 1993–2013
Combining in situ measurements and altimetry to estimate volume, heat and salt transport variability through the Faroe–Shetland Channel
A quantitative description of the Norwegian Atlantic Current by combining altimetry and hydrography
Maren Elisabeth Richter, Wilken-Jon von Appen, and Claudia Wekerle
Ocean Sci., 14, 1147–1165, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1147-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1147-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
In the Fram Strait, Arctic Ocean outflow is joined by Atlantic Water (AW) that has not flowed through the Arctic Ocean. The confluence creates a density gradient which steepens and draws closer to the east Greenland shelf break from N to S. This brings the warm AW closer to the shelf break. South of 79° N, AW has reached the shelf break and the East Greenland Current has formed. When AW reaches the Greenland shelf it may propagate through troughs to glacier termini and contribute to glacier melt.
Bogi Hansen, Karin Margretha Húsgarð Larsen, Steffen Malskær Olsen, Detlef Quadfasel, Kerstin Jochumsen, and Svein Østerhus
Ocean Sci., 14, 871–885, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-871-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-871-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The Western Valley is one of the passages across the Iceland–Scotland Ridge through which a strong overflow of cold, dense water has been thought to feed the deep limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), but its strength has not been known. Based on a field experiment with instruments moored across the valley, we show that this overflow branch is much weaker than previously thought and that this is because it is suppressed by the warm countercurrent in the upper layers.
Jenny E. Ullgren, Elin Darelius, and Ilker Fer
Ocean Sci., 12, 451–470, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-451-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-12-451-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
One-year long moored measurements of currents and hydrographic properties in the overflow region of the Faroe Bank Channel have provided a more accurate observational-based estimate of the volume transport, entrainment, and eddy diffusivities associated with the overflow plume. The data set resolves the temporal variability and covers the entire lateral and vertical extent of the plume.
E. Darelius, I. Fer, T. Rasmussen, C. Guo, and K. M. H. Larsen
Ocean Sci., 11, 855–871, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-855-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-855-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Quasi-regular eddies are known to be generated in the outflow of dense water through the Faroe Bank Channel. One year long mooring records from the plume region show that (1) the energy associated with the eddies varies by a factor of 10 throughout the year and (2) the frequency of the eddies shifts between 3 and 6 days and is related to the strength of the outflow. Similar variability is shown by a high-resolution regional model and the observations agree with theory on baroclinic instability.
B. Hansen, K. M. H. Larsen, H. Hátún, R. Kristiansen, E. Mortensen, and S. Østerhus
Ocean Sci., 11, 743–757, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-743-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-11-743-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
The Faroe Current is the main ocean current transporting warm Atlantic water into the Arctic region and an important transporter of heat towards the Arctic. This study documents observed transport variations over two decades, from 1993 to 2013. It shows that the volume transport of Atlantic water in this current increased by 9% over the period, whereas the heat transport increased by 18%. This increase will have contributed to the observed warming and sea ice decline in the Arctic.
B. Berx, B. Hansen, S. Østerhus, K. M. Larsen, T. Sherwin, and K. Jochumsen
Ocean Sci., 9, 639–654, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-639-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-639-2013, 2013
K. A. Mork and Ø. Skagseth
Ocean Sci., 6, 901–911, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-6-901-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-6-901-2010, 2010
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Variability of the Norwegian Atlantic Current and associated eddy field from
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Short summary
We analyzed 14-month-long observations from moored instruments to describe the average features and the variability of the Norwegian Atlantic Slope Current at the Lofoten Escarpment (13°E, 69°N). The slope current varies strongly with depth and in time. Pulses of strong current occur, lasting for 1 to 2 weeks, and extend as deep as 600 m. The average volume transport is 2 x 106 m3 s-1.
We analyzed 14-month-long observations from moored instruments to describe the average features...