Reviews: Antarctic Map Folio Series. Folio 6: Structure of Antarctic Waters between 20°W and 170°N

Summary

This review evaluates Antarctic Map Folio Series, Folio 6: Structure of Antarctic Waters between 20°W and 170°W, compiled by A. L. Gordon, comprising 14 map sheets and 10 pages of text, integrating physical and chemical observations from 504 USNS Eltanin stations, primarily in the Pacific and Falkland Sectors. The review notes that the folio indicates greater latitudinal variation in the position of the Antarctic Convergence than previously suggested, though employing a single subsurface criterion throughout might reduce this apparent spread. New data strengthen the chart of maximum temperature in the warm deep layer, and reveal a sharp discontinuity in bottom temperature in the southern Drake Passage, potentially indicating a similar discontinuity in circumpolar flow at depth. Insufficient new data south of 65° in the western ocean preclude further examination of the possible role of saline shelf water sinking from the Ross Sea in winter.