A discussion on ocean currents and their dynamics - The Aries current measurements in the western North Atlantic

Abstract

A series of current measurements was made using neutrally buoyant floats, mainly from the research vessel Aries , in the western North Atlantic Ocean in 1959—60, revealing unexpectedly strong variable currents in the deep water. Their main features are briefly recapitulated, and it is shown that, so far as can be ascertained, they appear to be geostrophic. More evidence is presented indicating that, in the area studied, speeds tend to increase with depth below the main thermocline. Some observations at shallower depth in a rotating lens of 18 °G water are described, and the effectiveness of conventional w ater sampling as a means of delineating relative currents is briefly discussed.