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Detailed Reference Information |
Belkin, I., Krishfield, R. and Honjo, S. (2002). Decadal variability of the North Pacific Polar Front: Subsurface warming versus surface cooling. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL013806. issn: 0094-8276. |
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Over 200 hydrographic sections are used to trace the Polar Front defined as the southern boundary of the pure subarctic stratification with a pronounced, extremely cold, subsurface temperature minimum underlain by a temperature maximum. The front extends from 40¿N off Japan to 57¿N in the Gulf of Alaska where it retroflects and continues WSW with the Alaskan Stream. The front's decadal variability from 1977--1999 is examined along 150¿E, 170¿E, 175.5¿E, and 180¿E. At these longitudes the front is relatively stable, except for 170¿E, where it shifts north-south by 400 km every 6 years. Most time series reveal a subsurface warming of ~1¿C per decade, and a surface cooling, of the front. Since the subsurface temperature minimum is a remnant of winter convection, the subsurface warming signals an amelioration of the winter climate, whereas the summer climate becomes colder. |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Oceanography, Physical, Fronts and jets, Oceanography, Physical, Upper ocean processes, Information Related to Geographic Region, Pacific Ocean, Global Change, Oceans |
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
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