The Intermediate Depth Waters of the Tasman and Coral Seas. I. The 27.20 σ_t Surface

Abstract

The distribution of salinity, dissolved oxygen, and phosphates on the 27.20 σ_t surface of the Tasman and Coral Seas is examined. Their distribution patterns and the relations of salinity and phosphate values on this σ_t surface are explained by the horizontal mixing of three water types. These originate, one at the Antarctic Convergence, one in the western equatorial region of the Pacific, and one in the south-west Pacific. From the distribution of these water types and the topography of the 27.20 σ_t surface, general features of the intermediate depth circulation of the Tasman and Coral Seas are deduced.