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Using the nutrient ratio NO/PO as a tracer of continental shelf waters in the central Arctic Ocean

1990; American Geophysical Union; Volume: 95; Issue: C12 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1029/jc095ic12p22193

2156-2202

Cara Wilson, Douglas W.R. Wallace,

Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena

Historical nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen data from the central Arctic Ocean are examined with particular emphasis on the conservative parameters NO (9 * NO 3 + O 2 ) and PO (135 * PO 4 + O 2 ). The NO/PO ratio is shown to increase with depth in the Canada Basin, being ∼0.78 in Surface and Upper Halocline Waters and ∼1.0 in the Atlantic Layer and Deep Waters. Lower Halocline Water is marked by NO and PO minima and intermediate NO/PO. NO/PO ratios from the Arctic shelf seas are examined to determine possible source regions for the various water masses. The NO/PO ratio of Canada Basin Deep Water implies an upper bound of ∼11% shelf water contribution to this water mass. A slight oxygen maximum core in the Lower Halocline Water is identified at a salinity of S = 34.5 in the vicinity of the Alpha Ridge. This core appears to be diminished by diapycnal mixing and does not extend into the Beaufort Gyre.