Articles | Volume 20, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-895-2024
© Author(s) 2024. 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-20-895-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Jul 2024
Research article |
| 11 Jul 2024
| 11 Jul 2024
The Polar Front in the northwestern Barents Sea: structure, variability and mixing
Eivind H. Kolås
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Ilker Fer
Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Till M. Baumann
Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
Ilker Fer, Anthony Bosse, and Johannes Dugstad
Ocean Sci., 16, 685–701, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-685-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-685-2020, 2020
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Approach: In situ Observations | Properties and processes: Mesoscale to submesoscale dynamics
An emerging pathway of Atlantic Water to the Barents Sea through the Svalbard Archipelago: drivers and variability
Tipping of the double-diffusive regime in the southern Adriatic Pit in 2017 in connection with record high-salinity values
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Relative dispersion and kinematic properties of the coastal submesoscale circulation in the southeastern Ligurian Sea
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Kjersti Kalhagen, Ragnheid Skogseth, Till M. Baumann, Eva Falck, and Ilker Fer
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Short summary
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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.
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Analysis of a high-frequency time series of thermohaline data measured at the EMSO-E2M3A regional facility in the southern Adriatic Pit (SAP) reveals a significant change in the double-diffusive regime in 2017 associated with the intrusion of extremely salty waters into the area, suggesting salt fingering as the dominant regime. The strong heat loss at the surface during this winter allowed deep convection to transport this high-salinity water from the intermediate to deep layers of the pit.
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Ria Oelerich, Karen J. Heywood, Gillian M. Damerell, Marcel du Plessis, Louise C. Biddle, and Sebastiaan Swart
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Understanding meltwater circulation around Greenland is crucial as it could influence climate variability but difficult as data are scarce. Here, we use 34 surface drifters to evaluate satellite-derived surface currents and show that satellite data recover the general structure of the flow and can recreate the pathways of particles around the southern tip of Greenland. This result permits a wide range of work to proceed looking at long-term changes in the circulation of the region since 1993.
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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.
In the northwestern Barents Sea, we study the Barents Sea Polar Front formed by Atlantic Water...
