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A review of the role of submarine canyons in deep-ocean exchange with the shelf
1Department of Earth and Ocean Science, University of British Columbia, 6339 Stores Rd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
2Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur l'Environnement Marin, CNRS, Universite de Perpignan, 52 Avenue de Villeneuve, 66860 Perpignan, France
Abstract. Cross shelf-break exchange is limited by the tendency of geostrophic flow to follow bathymetric contours, not cross them. However, small scale topography, such as canyons, can reduce the local lengthscale of the flow and increase the local Rossby number. These higher Rossby numbers mean the flow is no longer purely geostrophic and significant cross-isobath flow can occur. This cross-isobath flow includes both upwelling and downwelling due to wind-driven shelf currents and the strong cascading flows of dense shelf-water into the ocean. Tidal currents usually run primarily parallel to the shelf-break topography. Canyons cut across these flows and thus are often regions of generation of strong baroclinic tides and internal waves. Canyons can also focus internal waves. Both processes lead to greatly elevated levels of mixing. Thus, through both advection and mixing processes, canyons can enhance Deep Ocean Shelf Exchange. Here we review the state of the science describing the dynamics of the flows and suggest further areas of research, particularly into quantifying fluxes of nutrients and carbon as well as heat and salt through canyons.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 1135 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 4 Comments) Final Revised Paper (OS)
Citation: Allen, S. E. and Durrieu de Madron, X.: A review of the role of submarine canyons in deep-ocean exchange with the shelf, Ocean Sci. Discuss., 6, 1369-1406, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager
