Sensitivity of Baltic Sea deep water salinity and oxygen concentration to variations in physical forcing

In this study, we investigate the Baltic Sea deep water exchange with focus on oxygen conditions.We assumed that the oxygen removal rate associated with decomposition of organic matter is constant, however, we use different rates for different sub-basins.The results obtained from this study of the deep water oxygen dynamics suggest a gradual increase in removal rate from the eastern Gotland Basin to the Danish Straits.Moreover, it is suggested that a drier climate would result in a reduced ventilation of the halocline region due to strong stratification.A wetter climate on the other hand is found to markedly improve the oxygen conditions in the upper deep water as a consequence of a weakened stratification and a more intense wintertime mixing.