Chinese Journal of Polar Research

ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE ›› 2007, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (1-English): 18-26.

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Thermohaline structure inhomogeneity associated with polynia at the northern margin of Emery Ice-shelf

 Pu Shuzhen1,2, Ge Renfeng1,2, Dong Zhaoqian3, Yu Weidong1,2, Shi Jiuxin4 and Xiang Baoqiang1,2   

  1. 1 First Institute of Oceanography State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao 266061, China;
    2 Key Laboratory of Marine Science and Numerical Modeling, State Administration, Qingdao 266061, China;
    3 Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200136, China;
    4 College of Physical and Environmental Oceanography, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266001, China
  • Online:1957-03-30 Published:1957-03-30
  • Contact: Pu Shuzhen

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Abstract:

Based on the hydrographic data in austral summer during the 22nd Antarctic Expedition of China (2005/2006), some features can be found about the northern margin of Emery ice shelf as follows. The heat content in the surface layer (0-50 m) at the eastern end and the western end of the ice-shelf margin is much higher than that at the middle. The upper mixing-layer depth and the seasonal thermocline depth at the middle of the ice-shelf northern margin are much shallower than those at the both ends. However there is much less difference between the middle and the ends in the bottom layer. The remote sensing photos show that the inhomogeneity in the surface-layer water is closely related to the spatial distribution of the floes and polynia in the area.

Key words: Emery Ice-Shelf, thermohaline structure, floe, inhomogeneity, polynia