Schematic of dynamics for the North Atlantic subtropical mode water formation controlled by Gulf Stream fronts. (IMAGE)

Science China Press

Schematic of dynamics for the North Atlantic subtropical mode water formation controlled by Gulf Stream fronts.

Caption

The Gulf Stream thermal front leads to excessive ocean latent heat release primarily due to higher surface wind speed and sharper air-sea humidity contrast over its warm flank. The cumulative extensive latent heat loss favors the deepening of mixed layer, which gives rise to enlargement in the outcropping of corresponding isopycnals, leading to considerable transformation of lighter water masses into STMW.

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