Inflow of Atlantic-origin waters to the Barents Sea along glacial troughs

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of glacial shelf topography in the formation of general oceanological and biological mechanisms in the Barents Sea. Analysis of geomorphological data and oceanographic observations obtained on board MMBI research vessels in 2001-08 has shown that: fluxes of Atlantic-origin waters pass along glacial troughs; the inflow of Atlantic waters to the Barents Sea from the west increased from 2001 till 2007, although this advection began to weaken in 2008; vertical and horizontal thermohaline gradients intensified during the investigated period; a warm period similar to that of the 1930s was observed in the Barents Sea at the beginning of the 21st century.

Keywords

• Bathymetry
• Troughs
• Climate
• Circulation
• Thermohaline
• Water masses