Articles | Volume 20, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-981-2024
© 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-20-981-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
13 Aug 2024
Research article |
| 13 Aug 2024
| 13 Aug 2024
An emerging pathway of Atlantic Water to the Barents Sea through the Svalbard Archipelago: drivers and variability
Department of Arctic Geophysics, University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Ragnheid Skogseth
Department of Arctic Geophysics, University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Till M. Baumann
Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
Eva Falck
Department of Arctic Geophysics, University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Ilker Fer
Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Department of Arctic Geophysics, University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
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Gillian Mary Damerell, Anthony Bosse, and Ilker Fer
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-433, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-433, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Ocean Science (OS).
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The Lofoten Vortex is an unusual feature in the ocean: a permanent eddy which doesn’t dissipate as most eddies do. We have long thought that other eddies must merge into the Vortex in order to maintain its heat content and energetics, but such mergers are very difficult to observe due to their transient, unpredictable nature. For the first time, we have observed a merger using an ocean glider and high resolution satellite data and can document how the merger affects the properties of the Vortex.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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Yan Barabinot, Sabrina Speich, and Xavier Carton
Ocean Sci., 21, 151–179, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-151-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-151-2025, 2025
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Mesoscale eddies are ubiquitous rotating currents in the ocean. Some eddies, called "materially coherent", are able to transport a different water mass from the surrounding water. By analyzing 3D eddy structures sampled during oceanographic cruises, we found that eddies can be nonmaterially coherent, accounting only for their surface properties, but materially coherent considering their properties at depth. Future studies cannot rely solely on satellite data to evaluate heat and salt transport.
Ria Oelerich, Birte Gülk, Julia Dräger-Dietel, and Alexa Griesel
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2806, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2806, 2024
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The study explores how unresolved motions in the Benguela upwelling region affect diffusivity estimates and the need for full diffusivity tensors in models. Using a scalar for lateral mixing can be inaccurate due to directional mixing. Analysis of buoys and simulations shows that diffusivity from particle pairs is lower than expected, and removing mean flow improves estimates. The study shows the importance of full diffusivity tensors for better model mixing and reducing warm biases in models.
Clea Baker Welch, Neil Malan, Daneeja Mawren, Tamaryn Morris, Janet Sprintall, and Juliet Clair Hermes
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2210, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2210, 2024
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Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged periods of extreme ocean temperatures with significant impacts on marine ecosystems. Much research has focused on surface MHWs, but less is known about their subsurface extent. This study uses satellite and in situ data to investigate MHWs in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). We find that MHWs in the SWIO are typically moderate in severity, closely linked to mesoscale eddies, and that strong temperature anomalies extend below surface-identified MHWs.
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
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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.
Felipe L. L. Amorim, Julien Le Meur, Achim Wirth, and Vanessa Cardin
Ocean Sci., 20, 463–474, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-463-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-463-2024, 2024
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Ryan P. North, Julia Dräger-Dietel, and Alexa Griesel
Ocean Sci., 20, 103–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-103-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-103-2024, 2024
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The Benguela upwelling region off the coast of Namibia supplies cold water from the deep ocean that is transported offshore in finger-like structures called filaments. We investigate one major filament using measurements from a ship that crossed it multiple times and with mutiple buoys that follow the ocean currents. We find that the motions associated with the filament enhance the kinetic energy at small scales and provide a pathway for mixing of water and turbulent dissipation of energy.
Pierre-Marie Poulain, Luca Centurioni, Carlo Brandini, Stefano Taddei, Maristella Berta, and Milena Menna
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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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At the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, relatively warm waters encounter the colder waters surrounding Antarctica. Observations from underwater vehicles and altimetry show that medium-sized cold-core eddies influence the southern boundary's barrier properties by strengthening the slopes of constant density lines across it and amplifying its associated jet. As a result, the ability of exchanging properties, such as heat, across the southern boundary is reduced.
Arthur Coquereau and Nicholas P. Foukal
Ocean Sci., 19, 1393–1411, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1393-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1393-2023, 2023
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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.
Atlantic water (AW) is a key driver of change in the Barents Sea. We studied an emerging pathway...
