Spatial Variability of Major Frontal Systems in the North Atlantic-Norwegian Sea Area: 1980–81

Abstract

Locations of strong frontal systems in the upper 350 m of the North Atlantic-Norwegian Sea area are identified using data from nearly 2300 AXBTs deployed over a period spanning both winter and summer seasons. Approximate bounds on frontal widths and frontal meandering are given, and the variations in frontal locations with depth are also described. Seasonal variations in the horizontal and vertical structure of the fronts are examined. Sea surface expression of fronts is shown to decrease in summer months and a general dependence of frontal locations on bathymetry is seen.