Surface Water Mass Transformation in North Atlantic Based on NCEP CSFR Reanalysis

This paper focuses on the analysis of variability of density fluxes and water mass transformation in the North Atlantic, the quantities reflecting the intensity of intermediate and deep water formation. The authors assess the influence of atmospheric processes on the intensity of formation of subpolar modal waters, subtropical modal waters and Labrador Sea waters using the density fluxes and water mass transformation. This analysis is carried out on a seasonal and climatic time scale. The main result of the study is the seasonal and climatic dynamics of water mass transformation in the Labrador Sea, subtropical and subpolar modal waters based on CFSR reanalysis data. The results obtained help to understand the main factors influencing vertical circulation in the region, which can be used in further model experiments.