Publication Date:
2021-05-19
Description:
One century of oceanographic measurements has evidenced gradual increases in temperature and salinity of western Mediterranean water masses, even though the vertical stratification has basically
remained unchanged. Starting in 2005, the basic structure of the intermediate and deep layers abruptly
changed. We report here evidence of reinforced thermohaline variability in the deep western basin
with significant dense water formation events producing large amounts of warmer, saltier and denser
water masses than ever before. We provide a detailed chronological order to these changes, giving an
overview of the new water masses and following their route from the central basin interior to the east
(toward the Tyrrhenian) and toward the Atlantic Ocean. As a consequence of this climate shift, new deep
waters outflowing through Gibraltar will impact the North Atlantic in terms of salt and heat input. In
addition, modifications in the Mediterranean abyssal ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles are to be
expected.
Description:
Published
Keywords:
Climate changes
;
Deep Water
Repository Name:
AquaDocs
Type:
Journal Contribution
,
Refereed
Format:
pp.1-7
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