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European Geosciences Union, The Cryosphere, 6(10), p. 2603-2609, 2016

DOI: 10.5194/tc-10-2603-2016

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Brief communication: Impacts of a developing polynya off Commonwealth Bay, East Antarctica, triggered by grounding of iceberg B09B

Journal article published in 2016 by Christopher J. Fogwill ORCID, Erik Van Sebille ORCID, Erik Sebille, Eva A. Cougnon, Chris S. M. Turney ORCID, Steve R. Rintoul, Benjamin K. Galton-Fenzi ORCID, Graeme F. Clark ORCID, Em M. Marzinelli, Eleanor B. Rainsley, Lionel Carter
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Abstract. The dramatic calving of the Mertz Glacier tongue in 2010, precipitated by the movement of iceberg B09B, reshaped the oceanographic regime across the Mertz Polynya and Commonwealth Bay, regions where high-salinity shelf water (HSSW) – the precursor to Antarctic bottom water (AABW) – is formed. Here we present post-calving observations that suggest that this reconfiguration and subsequent grounding of B09B have driven the development of a new polynya and associated HSSW production off Commonwealth Bay. Supported by satellite observations and modelling, our findings demonstrate how local icescape changes may impact the formation of HSSW, with potential implications for large-scale ocean circulation.