Geography 2010A/B Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Fram Strait
Document Summary
The exchange of flow between the arctic and atlantic oceans is a critical series of processes that result in deep circulation of the arctic ocean. Warm, saline water entering the arctic at depth cools and as it approaches the interior of the arctic basin, is subject to brine rejection during sea ice formation. This results in denser water that sinks and accumulates as arctic bottom water. This water over controlling sills and returns to the atlantic as deep water. Represents a major ventilation of the deep arctic and a major source of energy to the arctic region. This circulation is sensitive to the input of energy from the atlantic, and the freshwater flux that forms the surface waters of the arctic. Reduced heat fluxes from the atlantic may persist for 10+ years (as can the opposite situation) Similarly, increased freshwater flow from the continents can cap the arctic.