HALINE CONVECTION IN THE GREENLAND SEA

The possibility for deep, haline convection, driven by freezing at the sea surface, is examined. Because of the small scales of the phase changes the initial instability and convection will be governed by molecular diffusion and viscosity. This slows down the vertical transfer of salt from the sea surface and allows, through viscous, laminar convection, a deeper layer with finite, positive density anomaly to form. This layer subsequently convects as a turbulent, entraining plume down to its density level. Successive convective events increase the density of the intermediate layers and the plumes penetrate deeper. The observed heat loss in the Greenland Sea is found capable of creating convection reaching to the bottom. If 5% of the Greenland Sea Gyre overturns once during winter, it would be sufficient for the estimated yearly production of Greenland Sea Deep Water. © 1990.