Spatial Variations of Antarctic Intermediate Water in the Caribbean Sea Due To Vertical Mixing Along Its Path

Because of its pronounced fresh signature, the properties northward-flowing Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) affect Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Hence, understanding modifications AAIW along path is important. Here, we analyze changes in Caribbean Sea and assess whether vertical fluxes from background turbulence double-diffusive mixing thermohaline staircases can explain these variations. We deduce occurrence rate (7%) estimate flux ratio Argo float profiles. In combination with turbulence, values are used a steady-state advection-diffusion model to effective diffusivity salt that arises double diffusion . This value for similar observed (Schmitt, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1108678), implying modification may be attributable primarily region itself.