Jeff Vieser

General Information

Part of the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre.

Studies began in the 1930’s.

Moves approximately 7.5 Sv of water.

Driven by Barotropic and Geostrophic flows.

Source: wikipedia.com

Barotropic Flow

Complex wind field found along the current.

Wind stress varies greatly over the seasons.

Is responsible for approximately 15% of the flow in the current.

Source: Han 2005

Geostrophic Flow

Occurs on either side of the height maximum.

It is responsible for approximately 55% of the current’s water flow.

Does not vary much throughout the year.

Source: http://www.o3d.org/abracco/vel_ssh.png

Resulting Flow

Occurs over a stretch of just 1000 Km.

Return flows are larger because of the Arctic Ocean’s drainage.

Deep flows due to an extended mixed layer depth and deep water movement.

Source: Deshayes et al. 2007

Deep Water Formation

Deep water formation can occur here because of the extended mixed layer.

Only occurs here and in the Antarctic.

Fuels global ocean circulation.

Source: Mercator Operational Oceanography

Significance

•Location of plentiful fisheries.•Interacts with the gulf stream off the Grand Banks and off of the Outer Banks as well.

•Start of the ocean conveyor belt.•Essential in global heat and water transport.

Source: http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/ocean-gyres.html

Source: www.uncover.eu/index.php?id=97

Thank You!

Deshayes, Julie; Frankignoul, Claude; Drange, Helge. 2007. Formation and Export of Deep Water in the Labrador and Irminger Seas in a GCM.

Faure, Vincent; Speer, Kevin. 2004. Labrador Sea Water Circulation in the Northern North Atlantic Ocean.

Han, Guoqi. 2005. Wind Driven Barotropic Circulation off Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Introduction to Ocean Gyres”. The Cooperative institute for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/ocean-gyres.html

Lazier, John; Hendry, Ross; Clarke, Allyn; Yashayaev, Igor; Rhines, Peter. 2002. Convection and Restratification in the Labrador Sea, 1990-2000.

“The Labrador Current”. The Cooperative institute for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlantic/labrador.html

Understanding the Mechanisms of Stock Recovery. www.uncover.eu/index.php?id=97

http://www.o3d.org/abracco/vel_ssh.png www.Wikipedia.com. “Labrador Current”.