Interannual variability in water masses in the Greenland Sea and adjacent areas

Oceanographic data covering the period 1950–1998 are used to determine interannual variations in the convection intensity and water mass structure in the Greenland Sea and adjacent areas. Extremely cold winters throughout 1965–1970 assisted intensification of the water vertical exchange in the Greenland and Norwegian seas. As a result, cold and fresh Greenland Sea Deep Water (GSDW) production was extremely high in the central Greenland Sea while in the southern Norwegian Sea warm and salty water spread downwards. The recent rapid warming in the Greenland Sea Gyre interior from 1980 originates, we argue, from an increase in the Atlantic Water (AW) temperature due to the advection of warm waters into the region with the Return Atlantic Current. The negative water temperature and salinity trends in the upper 300 m layer of the Atlantic Water in the Norwegian Sea prevailed during 1950–1990, whereas during 1980–1990 the water temperature trends are indicative of warming of that layer. Observation series obtained onboard the Ocean Weather Ship Mike confirmed the existence of layers with advectiondriven high oxygen concentrations in intermediate and deep layers. The depth of oxygen maxima and the values of oceanographic parameters at this horizon can be regarded as indicators of the convection intensity in the Arctic domain. A simultaneous rise in NAO index and GSDW temperature points to a link between atmospheric and thermohaline circulation. Weakening in water exchange with the North Atlantic could be the reason for the Polar Water recirculation increase within the Nordic seas.     

Direct measurements of volume transports through Fram Strait

Heat and freshwater transports through Fram Strait are understood to have a significant influence on the hydrographic conditions in the Arctic Ocean and on water mass modifications in the Nordic seas. To determine these transports and their variability reliable estimates of the volume transport through the strait are required. Current meter moorings were deployed in Fram Strait from September 1997 to September 1999 in the framework of the EU MAST III Variability of Exchanges in the Northern Seas programme. The monthly mean velocity fields reveal marked velocity variations over seasonal and annual time scales, and the spatial structure of the northward flowing West Spitsbergen Current and the southward East Greenland Current with a maximum in spring and a minimum in summer. The volume transport obtained by averaging the monthly means over two years amounts to 9.5 ± 1.4 Sv to the north and 11.1 ± 1.7 Sv to the south (1 Sv = 10⁶ m³s⁻¹). The West Spitsbergen Current has a strong barotropic and a weaker baroclinic component; in the East Greenland Current barotropic and baroclinic components are of similar magnitude. The net transport through the strait is 4.2 ± 2.3 Sv to the south. The obtained northward and southward transports are significantly larger than earlier estimates in the literature; however, within its range of uncertainty the balance obtained from a two year average is consistent with earlier estimates.     

Variability of the Northern Annular Mode's signature in winter sea ice concentration

Historical winter sea ice concentration data are used to examine the relation between the Northern Annular Mode (NAM) and the sea ice concentration in the Nordic seas over the past 50 years. The well known basic response pattern of a seesaw between the Labrador Sea and the Greenland, Iceland and Barents seas is being reproduced. However, the response is not robust in the Greenland and Iceland seas. There the observed variability has a more complex relationship with surface temperatures and winds. We divide the sea ice response into three spectral bands: high (P< year), band (515 year) filtered NAM indices. This division is motivated by the expected slow response of the ocean circulation which might play a significant role in the Greenland and Iceland seas. The response to the NAM is also examined separately for the periods before and after 1976 to identify variations due to the relocation of the northern centre of the North Atlantic Oscillation.     

Observed transport estimates between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Mediterranean in the Iceland–Scotland region

The Arctic Mediterranean is the ocean area north of the Greenland-Scotland Ridge. Exchanges between this region and the North Atlantic both provide the main source for production of North Atlantic Deep Water and supply heat and salt to the northern oceans. The exchange occurs through several gaps in the ridge; in terms of volume flux the Iceland-Scotland Gap is the most important one as it carries more than half the total, with approximately three quarters of the total inflow and one third of the total outflow. The Nordic WOCE observational system was initiated to monitor the exchanges through this gap and it has provided data that allow estimates of typical fluxes and their seasonal variation. The flux measurements show that most of the Atlantic inflow to the Arctic Mediterranean returns as overflow and hence the processes forming intermediate and deep waters in the Arctic Mediterranean are the main forcing mechanism for the Atlantic inflow. The inflow between Iceland and Scotland seems to be a maximum in late winter while the Faroe Bank Channel overflow is strongest in late summer. Using the results from the Nordic WOCE system it has been possible to interpret historical observations from Ocean Weather Ship Station M and conclude that the flux of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow decreased in magnitude from 1950 to 2000.     

Long-term sea level changes along the lagoon shores of the Baltic and Black Seas

We examine the data on the mean annual sea level dynamics for 1875–2005 along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea (Baltiisk and Kronstadt) and along the northern coast of the Black Sea (Odessa, Sevastopol’ and Kerch) which have coastal lagoons. The study revealed a generally positive trend for the period (from 0.7 to 1.8 mm/year at different points), a similarity of changes in the level for separate 30-year-long intervals, and a significant increase in sea level growth rate at the turn of the 20^th century (up to 8.6–13.3 mm/year at different points). High values of the correlation coefficient (0.71–0.87) were recorded between the variations in the mean yearly level (with the temporal trend excluded) within the lagoon coasts of the Baltic and Black Seas as well as the absence of a correlation between data series for the two seas. Analysis (after excluding a linear trend from the variation of the values) showed an actual absence of a correlation between mean yearly level variations and North Atlantic atmospheric circulation indices, while the previously recorded correlation was due to a correlation between trend components. It is suggested that the sea level oscillations include only a small component which responds oppositely for the two seas to the resultant influence of the eastward and westward components of the atmospheric circulation. On the basis of the similar absolute values of the linear trend and of the range of long-term fluctuations in mean yearly sea level values in the area of the lagoon coasts of the Baltic and Black Seas, the conclusion is drawn about the similar conditions under which over the course of the last 100 years the coastal lagoons have been evolving in these two, relatively remote, zones of the drainage basin of the Atlantic Ocean.     

Structure of the Fram Strait branch of the boundary current in the Eurasian Basin of the Arctic Ocean

Recent mooring-based observations at several locations along the continental slope of the Arctic Ocean's Eurasian Basin showed a transformation of the Boundary Current (BC) from a mostly barotropic flow in Fram Strait to a jet-like baroclinic current northeast of Svalbard, and the reemergence of the barotropic structure of the flow in the eastern Eurasian Basin. This transformation is accompanied by a weakening of the flow from ～24 cm/s in Fram Strait to ～5 cm/s at the Lomonosov Ridge. The maximum of the baroclinic component of the BC at an intermediate depth (～200–370 m) is associated with the Atlantic Water core. The depth range of the baroclinic current maximum is controlled by cross-slope density gradients above and below the baroclinic velocity maximum as follows from the geostrophic balance of forces. According to the model simulations, the BC splits into shallow and deep branches in the proximity of Svalbard due to a divergence of isobaths, confirming topographically-controlled BC behavior. The shallow branch is located at a shelf break with a typical bottom depth of ～200 m and current speed of up to ～24 cm/s. The discussed results, which provide insight on some basic aspects of the dynamics of the BC (the major oceanic heat source for the Arctic Ocean), may be of importance for understanding of the ocean's role in shaping the arctic climate system state.     

Circulation in the Arctic Ocean

Much information on processes and circulation within the Arctic Ocean has emerged from measurements made on icebreaker expeditions during the past decade. This article offers a perspective based on these measurements, summarizing new ideas regarding how water masses are formed and how they circulate. Best understood at present is the circulation of the Atlantic Layer and mid-depth waters, to depths of about 1700 m, which move in cyclonic gyres in the four major basins of the Arctic Ocean. New ideas on halocline formation and circulation are directly relevant to concerns regarding changes in ice thickness. The circulation of the halocline water in part mimics that of the underlying Atlantic Layer. A number of large eddies contributing to water mass transport have been observed. The circulation of freshwater from the Pacific Ocean and from river runoff has been better delineated. Circulation within the surface layer resembles the circulation of ice, but is different in several respects. Least understood is the circulation of the deepest waters, though some information is available. Recent observed changes in the surface waters and warm Atlantic Layer have been correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation. While these changes are dramatic, the qualitative circulation pattern may not have been altered significantly.     

Early Holocene cooling events in Malangenfjord and the adjoining shelf, north-east Norwegian Sea

A high resolution study of early Holocene climate and palaeoceanography has been performed on two combined sediment cores from Malangenfjord, northern Norway. The fjord provides a regional oceanographic climatic signal reflecting changes in the North Atlantic heat flux at this latitude because of its deep sill and the relatively narrow adjoining continental shelf. Fauna and stable oxygen and carbon isotopes indicate cool, meltwater-depleted water masses in the fjord from 12000 to 11400 cal. yr BP followed by a warming between 11400-10300 cal. yr BP. The climatic variability can be explained partly by freshwater forcing hampering the North Atlantic heat conveyor, and partly by changing solar irradiance. A major cooling event at 11500-11400 cal. yr BP, followed by a rapid warming, is correlated to the Preboreal Oscillation, a widespread signal in the North Atlantic region which is probably linked to the increased meltwater flux to the northern North Atlantic at this time. Brief and small-scale cooling events between 10 300 and 10100 cal. yr BP, correlated to the onset of increased ¹⁰Be flux in the Greenland ice cores, suggest a response to solar forcing.     

Maintenance of the Arctic Ocean large-scale baroclinic structure by the M2 tide

A three-dimensional structure of the M2 tidal currents has been reproduced by mathematical modelling. The possibility of energy transfer from the tidal barotropic motion to large-scale baroclinic circulation of the Arctic Ocean has been estimated. It has been shown that the bottom relief plays an important role in the formation of the large-scale pattern of the baroclinic fields. The hypothesis has been proposed that the M2 tide may support the near-slope convection of the East-Siberian and Laptev seas. Polar Research 13 (2), 219–232     

North Atlantic Water in the Barents Sea Opening, 1997 to 1999

North Atlantic Water (NAW) is an important source of heat and salt to the Nordic seas and the Arctic Ocean. To measure the transport and variability of one branch of NAW entering the Arctic, a transect across the entrance to the Barents Sea was occupied 13 times between July 1997 and November 1999, and hydrography and currents were measured. There is large variability between the cruises, but the mean currents and the hydrography show that the main inflow takes place in Bjørnøyrenna, with a transport of 1.6 Sv of NAW into the Barents Sea. Combining the flow field with measurements of temperature and salinity, this results in mean heat and salt transports by NAW into the Barents Sea of 3.9×10¹³ W and 5.7×10⁷ kg s⁻¹, respectively. The NAW core increased in temperature and salinity by 0.7 °C yr⁻¹ and 0.04 yr⁻¹, respectively, over the observation period. Variations in the transports of heat and salt are, however, dominated by the flow field, which did not exhibit a significant change.     

东北地区冬季降雪的集中度和集中期变化特征

应用1961-2005 年东北地区冬季的台站降水资料,计算并分析了东北地区降雪集中度和集中期的时空变化特征和集中度偏高时的环流特征.结果表明,东北地区降雪集中度呈逐年上升趋势,集中期呈明显下降趋势。从年代际变化上来看,集中期存在着12 年的长周期,在1970 年代中期之后存在8 年左右的短周期。从空间变化的情况来看,东北地区冬季降雪集中度由东向西依次增加,吉林的东部地区出现集中度最低值,辽宁中部、吉林中部存在着集中期的高值中心。对于东北不同区域,东北东部和中部变化趋势一致,集中度呈上升趋势,集中期呈下降趋势。东北西南部和东北北部降水集中度均呈微弱的上升趋势,其中东北西南部地区降雪的集中度上升趋势最弱。东北北部降水集中期的下降趋势最弱。在影响东北降雪集中度偏高时,在高空500 hPa 东北地区均处于东亚大槽控制,东亚大槽在东北西部加深,而在东北东部有高压易于形成并加强,导致东亚大槽东移缓慢。高、低空急流均明显存在,与低空急流相比,高空急流更强,位置偏西南。在太平洋上水汽输送的高值区明显增强,范围也增大,东北地区受沿高值中心北侧向西北向输送的水汽影响。     

中国东部植被NDVI对气温和降水的时空响应(英文)

Temporal and spatial response characteristics of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature and precipitation in the whole year,spring,summer and autumn was analyzed from April 1998 to March 2008 based on the SPOT VGT-NDVI data and daily temperature and precipitation data from 205 meteorological stations in eastern China.The results indicate that as a whole,the response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature is more pronounced than that of precipitation in eastern China.Vegetation NDVI maxi...     

中国省域生态系统服务足迹流动及其影响因素

区域间由供给与消费不均衡所引起的生态系统服务流动,逐渐成为新的研究热点。选取具有代表性的食物供给服务、淡水供给服务和固碳服务,运用生态系统服务足迹算法和多区域间投入产出模型,核算中国省区典型生态系统服务足迹和省域间的动态流动以及影响因素。研究表明：中国省域人均食物供给服务足迹为1.16 hm²/人,人均淡水供给服务足迹为0.06 hm²/人,人均固碳服务足迹为2.92 hm²/人,但由于人口数量、地区发展和单位能耗等因素的影响而具有明显的区域差异性,因此供给与需求的不均衡导致了服务足迹在空间上的流动。同时,生态系统服务足迹与各影响因子呈正相关,表明生态环境与经济增长的可持续发展转好的拐点还未出现。     

北极环极边界流研究及其主要科学问题

北极环极边界流是新近揭示的重要海洋现象 ,是对北冰洋海洋环流长期研究结果综合得到的概念。在本文中 ,详细介绍了北极环极边界流的主要结构和水团特征 ,论述了研究北极环极边界流的意义和前景 ,深入探讨了北极环极边界流面对的科学问题 ,指出了解决这些问题的关键科研工作。文章指出 ,从整体上研究北极环极边界流是非常重要的 ,需要全面考察北冰洋的质量和能量平衡、深层水通风过程以及水体的混合过程。在进一步的研究工作中需要更多的有针对性的现场观测、开展多学科协作研究。数值模拟仍然是北极环极边界流的重要研究手段 ,需要改善数值模式 ,提高数值模拟的质量。     

新疆气候变化及其对生态环境的影响

近100年来,中国西部地区从19世纪末到20世纪初气温开始上升,20世纪40年代达到最高．以后气温下降．大约在70年代初达到最低．以后气温持续上升．增温主要出现在1970年以后。根据新疆56个气象观测台站的气温资料统计,年均温呈稳定的上升趋势。滑动t检验表明1980年是气温突变的转折点。新疆已有的气象观测记录表明．新疆温度变化和全国的变化较为一致。新疆降水量的变化比较复杂．分东疆、北疆、南疆加以讨论．南北疆降水增加明显,东疆则变化不大。降水量的增量北疆最大东疆最少,而降水量的增幅则南疆最大东疆最少。20世纪80年代中期以来,沙尘暴发生日数在波动中减少,与大风发生日数有很强的一致性。70年代以来。温度的升高,局部地区的降水明显,增加对新疆生态环境的影响进行了分析。     

Temporal and spatial response of vegetation NDVI to temperature and precipitation in eastern China

Temporal and spatial response characteristics of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature and precipitation in the whole year, spring, summer and autumn was analyzed from April 1998 to March 2008 based on the SPOT VGT–NDVI data and daily temperature and precipitation data from 205 meteorological stations in eastern China. The results indicate that as a whole, the response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature is more pronounced than that of precipitation in eastern China. Vegetation NDVI maximally responds to the variation of temperature with a lag of about 10 days, and it maximally responds to the variation of precipitation with a lag of about 30 days. The response of vegetation NDVI to temperature and precipitation is most pronounced in autumn, and has the longest lag in summer. Spatially, the maximum response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature is more pronounced in the northern and middle parts than in the southern part of eastern China. The maximum response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of precipitation is more pronounced in the northern part than in the middle and southern parts of eastern China. The response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature has longer lag in the northern and southern parts than in the middle part of eastern China. The response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of precipitation has the longest lag in the southern part, and the shortest lag in the northern part of eastern China. The response of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature and precipitation in eastern China is mainly consistent with other results, but the lag time of vegetation NDVI to the variation of temperature and precipitation has some differences with those results of the monsoon region of eastern China.     

广西县（市）域植被覆盖度评价与地理分区

利用250m分辨率的MODIS遥感数据,采用遥感信息定量化方法,以县、市辖区单元为评价单元建立植被覆盖度评价综合指数模型,计算各县、市辖区的植被覆盖综合指数并利用逐步聚类分析方法进行分组,在GIS平台上实现图形可视化表达地理分区。结果表明：依据植被覆盖综合指数值大小,广西89个县、市辖区被聚类成7个分区;广西西部、北部和东部地区的植被覆盖总体水平较高,中部和南部地区的植被覆盖总体水平较低,植被覆盖水平从西部、北部和东部地区往中部和南部地区存在较明显地从高到低的变化规律。     

Heat flux calculations for Mackenzie and Yukon Rivers

This study analyzes long-term (40–60 years) discharge and water temperature records collected near the basin outlets of the Yukon and Mackenzie Rivers. It defines seasonal cycles of discharge, water temperature (WT), and heat flux (HF) for the basins, and compares their main features to understand their similarity and difference. Both rivers have similar hydrographs, i.e. low flows in winter and high discharge in summer, with the peak flood in June due to snowmelt runoff. Mackenzie River has many large lakes and they sustain the higher base flows over the fall/winter season. Mackenzie basin is large with high precipitation, thus producing 50% more discharge than the Yukon River to the Arctic Ocean. The WT regimes are also similar between the two rivers. Yukon River WT is about 2–3 °C warmer than the Mackenzie over the open water months. Both rivers have the highest WT in the mid summer and they transport large amount of heat to the polar ocean system. Yukon River monthly HF is lower by 10–60% than the Mackenzie mainly due to smaller discharge. Mackenzie River heat transport peaks in July, while the Yukon HF reaches the maximum in June and July. These results provide critical knowledge of river thermal condition and energy transport to the northern seas. They are useful for large-scale climate and ocean model development and validation, and climate/hydrology change research in the northern regions.