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Effect of glacial ice melting on the Antarctic Surface Water

Nature volume 277, pages 469–471 (1979)Cite this article

Abstract

MOST glacial ice melting occurs below the sea surface and in regions where ice shelves and icebergs are concentrated, as along the Antarctic coastline. We show here that this melting can significantly affect the Antarctic Surface Water (AASW) chemistry and biology only for glacial ice constituents are greatly depleted (for example, salt, oxygen-18) or enhanced (for example, ammonia?) relative to the ocean. The surface water nutrient (nitrate, phosphate, silicate) budget is controlled primarily by the upwelling of deep water. Melting beneath the Ross Ice Shelf results in the northwards lateral movement of near-freezing water to the continental shelf break. Basal melting of icebergs and smaller ice shelves may contribute to the temperature minimum at the base of the AASW.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York, 10964

    S. S. JACOBS & A. L. GORDON

  2. Marine Science Institute, University of Texas, Port Aransas, Texas, 78373

    A. F. AMOS

Authors
  1. S. S. JACOBS
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  2. A. L. GORDON
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  3. A. F. AMOS
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JACOBS, S., GORDON, A. & AMOS, A. Effect of glacial ice melting on the Antarctic Surface Water. Nature 277, 469–471 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/277469a0

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