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Age of water masses12/3/2023 ![]() ![]() The vertical circulation in the world's oceans is asymmetric in terms of upwelling and downwelling. Since continuous removal of deep water is closely related to vertical mixing in the stably stratified ocean (requiring a supply of external mechanical energy), without the continuous supply of this energy the thermohaline circulation would not be sustained. For example, mixing in the deep ocean or upwelling through strong fronts continuously removes the old-age deep water, thus making room for the newly formed deep water and maintaining the thermohaline circulation. Both processes are essential for water mass balance and thermohaline circulation in the world's oceans. Deepwater formation is closely related to the downward branch of the vertical circulation, which continuously supplies the water masses, while deepwater erosion is closely related to the upward branch of the vertical circulation, which continuously removes the water masses. ![]() In a broad sense, the balance of deep water in the world's oceans consists of two major opposing processes: the supply of newly formed water masses through deepwater formation and the removal of deep water through mixing and erosion. In this chapter, we first discuss deepwater formation and then mode water formation.ĥ.1.1 Sources of deep water in the world's oceans The second category of water mass normally sinks to a relatively shallow part of the world's oceans. ![]() Therefore, some types of water mass are formed below the surface layers through the mixing of water masses originated from the sea surface however, in this chapter, we primarily focus on formation/erosion of water masses in connection with surface processes.Īccording to the penetration depth, water-mass formation is generally separated into two major categories, those of deep water and mode water. Furthermore, through either transformation or erosion, water mass properties are continually transformed, so that a water mass gradually loses its identity. Most water masses are formed near the upper surface and sink. The balance of water masses in the world's oceans consists of two major processes: water mass formation and erosion. ![]()
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