Water exchange between the subpolar and subtropical North Pacific in an OGCM

The water exchange between the subpolar and subtropical gyres of the North Pacific is demonstrated by the simulation of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) using an ocean general circulation model. The simulated CFC concentration in the North Pacific is in good agreement with observations. The water exchange is clearly illustrated by the tongues of CFC concentration. The subpolar waters with high CFC are transported southward into the eastern subtropical gyre, whereas the subtropical waters with low CFC are transported northward into the western subpolar gyre. The simulated exchange transport along 42°N in the layer of σθ < 26.8 indicates that the northward mass transport is about 15 Sv (1 Sv = 10⁶ m³ • s ) west of 165°E, and about 5 Sv between 175°W and 150°W. The southward mass transport is about 5 Sv between 165°E and 175°W, and about 2 Sv east of 150°W.