Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2017-98
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2017-98
15 Dec 2017
 | 15 Dec 2017
Status: this preprint was under review for the journal OS but the revision was not accepted.

Volume and temperature transports through the main Arctic Gateways: A comparative study between an ocean reanalysis and mooring-derived data

Marianne Pietschnig, Michael Mayer, Takamasa Tsubouchi, Andrea Storto, Sebastian Stichelberger, and Leopold Haimberger

Abstract. Oceanic transports through the Arctic gateways represent an integral part of the polar climate system, but comprehensive in-situ-based estimates of this quantity have been lacking in the past. New observation-based estimates of oceanic volume, temperature and freshwater transports have recently become available. Those estimates have been derived from moored observations in the four major gateways by applying mass and salinity constraints. We seize this opportunity to compare a recent ocean reanalysis release with those observation-based estimates. First, time series of integrated volume and temperature transports through each strait are considered. Good agreement is found for Davis Strait volume transports, but considerable disagreement of up to 1.1 Sv in Fram Strait and the Barents Sea Opening. The annual mean net volume export through the gateways is −0.03 ± 0.23 Sv in the reanalysis, weaker than the −0.15 ± 0.06 Sv derived from the observation-based estimate (uncertainties represent the monthly standard deviation). The net ocean heat transport to the Arctic Ocean is similar in the two datasets (observation-based: 153 ± 44 TW, reanalysis: 145 ± 35 TW). Discrepancies in the integrated transports are further investigated by studying cross-sections of velocity, temperature and temperature flux density. These reveal good qualitative agreement in all straits, but considerable differences in the strength of major features like the East Greenland Current and the West Spitzbergen Current. Examination of the instrumental coverage reveals that areas of discrepancy are often co-located with poorly observed regions. In conclusion, both types of data sets have their merits and are recommended to be used complementarily for climate studies in this data-sparse region. We hope that the results presented in this study can assist in planning future observational efforts and in the development of ocean reanalysis products.

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Marianne Pietschnig, Michael Mayer, Takamasa Tsubouchi, Andrea Storto, Sebastian Stichelberger, and Leopold Haimberger
 
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Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
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Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
Marianne Pietschnig, Michael Mayer, Takamasa Tsubouchi, Andrea Storto, Sebastian Stichelberger, and Leopold Haimberger
Marianne Pietschnig, Michael Mayer, Takamasa Tsubouchi, Andrea Storto, Sebastian Stichelberger, and Leopold Haimberger

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Latest update: 09 Nov 2024
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Short summary
New estimates of volume and temperature transports into the Arctic Ocean through the four major gateways (Davis, Fram and Bering Strait and the Barents Sea Opening) have recently become available. These estimates are derived from moored observations. In this study, the same transports derived from a recent ocean reanalysis are compared to the observation-based estimates in the straits. In addition, cross-section plots of velocity, temperature and temperature flux density are investigated.