The westward turning branch of the West Spitsbergen Current

Authors:
  • RBR. H. Bourke
    R. H. Bourke
  • AWA. M. Weigel
    A. M. Weigel
  • RPR. G. Paquette
    R. G. Paquette
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Abstract
A salinity‐temperature survey of Fram Strait in September 1985 extending to north of 81°N demonstrated the western branch of the West Spitsbergen Current flowing northwest and then west, mainly south of 81°N. There also was a southwestward recirculation from the eastern branch of the West Spitsbergen Current. Baroclinic flow of warm water northward through 81°N was negligible or zero. Some doubt is cast on past flow diagrams based on core analysis which show the western branch of the West Spitsbergen Current coursing northward to 83°N. One of a probable line of mesoscale eddies is described in some detail.

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