Flow of Antarctic Bottom Water from the Vema Channel
Abstract We analyze measurements of bottom currents and thermohaline properties of water north of the Vema Channel with the goal to find pathway continuations of the Antarctic Bottom Water flow from the Vema Channel into the Brazil Basin. The analysis is based on the CTD/LADCP casts north of the Vema Channel. The flow in the deep-water Vema Channel consists of two branches. The deep current flows along the bottom of the channel and the other branch flows above the western wall of the channel. We found two smaller channels of the continuation of the bottom flow. These flows become weak and cease at a latitude of 26°S. The upper current that flows at a depth of 4100-4200 m along the continental slope is balanced by the gravity and Coriolis forces. We traced this current up to 24°S over a distance exceeding 250 km. This branch transports bottom water that eventually fills the deep basins of the North Atlantic.