Water mass transport and ventilation in the Northeast Atlantic derived from tracer data

Abstract

A large ³ He and tritium data base collected in the Northeast Atlantic since 1977 allows construction of extensive tracer distributions on isopycnal surfaces in the main thermocline. A distinct southward increase in tritium— ³ He age is observed that depicts the outcrop boundaries and allows one to quantify the interior transport. This transport is directed towards the south.