On the Distinctness and Origin of the Slope Water off the Scotian Shelf and its Easterly Flow South of the Grand Banks

Abstract

The Slope Water south of Nova Scotia lies as a distinct water mass between Coastal Water and the Gulf Stream. A characteristic temperature–salinity correlation exists. Although the T–S curve lies close to that for Central Atlantic Water, if a reasonable system of mixing is assumed, the composition is shown to be Atlantic Water diluted by the addition of approximately 20% of Coastal Water. The rate of production of Slope Water is estimated to be of the order of 2 × 10⁷ m.⁸/sec. and the observed eastward flow carries this mixing product from the area of formation. A secondary current in the Gulf Stream system is thus generated by means other than simple bifurcation of the main stream. Such a current has been consistently observed.