Figure 8
Schematic illustration of contrasting conditions and oceanic configuration in northernmost Baffin Bay/Nares Strait (NS). (a) Strong NOW and stable margin; a stable ice arch in Nares Strait facilitates productivity in the large open water area, allowing for the formation of PWW and mixing of brine enriched waters as a result of extensive sea-ice production and subsequent removal southward. This in turn ventilates the water column and diverts the flow of the WGC (red arrows) southward. (b) Weak NOW; ice arch instability allows for southward flow of Arctic sea-ice into the NOW region. Productivity is lower in the smaller open water region and weaker brine formation facilities northward penetration of WGC (AMW) into the region, prompting stratification. Purple circles indicate central and peripheral core locations.
