Variability in deep water mass properties and mixing in the Norwegian Sea

Abstract

Decadal variations of the Norwegian Sea Deep Water are presented for the 1990s and 2000s. While salinity values have only slightly increased for the Norwegian Basin, there is a noticeable increase in potential temperature for the water below 2000 m. This is likely caused by an increase in temperature of the source waters to the region. An increasing nutrient amount was observed along with decreasing oxygen. Optimum multiparameter analysis has been used to assess the source waters of the Norwegian Sea Deep Water. Because of high nutrient values in the Norwegian Basins, results indicate that Eurasian Basin Deep Water and Greenland Sea Deep Water are not the main contributors to the Norwegian Sea. High silicate deep water from the Iceland Sea and Greenland Sea Bottom water seem more likely sources.