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Brief Communication: Evidence of a developing Polynya off Commonwealth Bay, East Antarctica, triggered by grounding of iceberg

Brief Communication: Evidence of a developing Polynya off Commonwealth Bay, East Antarctica, triggered by grounding of iceberg Thumbnail


Abstract

The dramatic calving of the Mertz Glacier tongue in 2010, precipitated by the movement of iceberg B09B, reshaped the oceanographic regime across the Mertz Polynya and Commonwealth Bay, regions where high-salinity shelf water (HSSW) – the precursor to Antarctic bottom water (AABW) – is formed. Here we present post-calving observations that suggest that this reconfiguration and subsequent grounding of B09B have driven the development of a new polynya and associated HSSW production off Commonwealth Bay. Supported by satellite observations and modelling, our findings demonstrate how local icescape changes may impact the formation of HSSW, with potential implications for large-scale ocean circulation.

Acceptance Date Oct 14, 2016
Publication Date Nov 14, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal The Cryosphere Discussions
Print ISSN 1994-0440
Pages 1 - 13
DOI https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2603-2016
Publisher URL http://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2603-2016

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