Polynyas in the Southern Ocean

The formation of large regions of open ocean in the pack ice near Antarctica called polynyas is discussed. The role of the meridional circulation pattern of the Southern Ocean, of buoyancy, and of wind in the formation of polynyas is shown. The different characteristics and causes of coastal and ope...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gordon, Arnold L., Comiso, Josefino C.
Format: Other/Unknown Material
Language:unknown
Published: 1988
Subjects:
48
Online Access:http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19880052057
Description
Summary:The formation of large regions of open ocean in the pack ice near Antarctica called polynyas is discussed. The role of the meridional circulation pattern of the Southern Ocean, of buoyancy, and of wind in the formation of polynyas is shown. The different characteristics and causes of coastal and open-ocean polynyas are pointed out.