Variability of the Continental Water Boundary near the Pryda Bay

Based on the data obtained during the 15th Antarctic Expedition of China between November 1998 and February 1999,the paper discusses the water masses distributed on both sides of the Continental Water Boundary(CWB) as well as the spacial variability of the physical characteristics of the central location,the frontal width,the frontal strength,the vertical depth,and the vertical thickness for CWB,The above results are compared with the results from the data obtained during the 9th Antarctic Expedition of China between December 1992 and February 1993,and the temporal variabiltiy of those characteristics is discussed.In addition,the inhomogeneity of the kinematic characteristics and the patterms of the dynamic heights for those water masses located on both sides of CWB are illustrated.As it is pointed out in the paper,the trough in the dynamic height field is identified with the frontal location of CWB and the oceanic current shear.Furthermore,the dynamic reason for the upwelling of the circumpolar deep water can be understood by the explanation described in the paper.