Then we need to identify the spread in concentration within the patch, that might in certain areas still be patchy. We need to do this in order to more firmly say how much of the released 321 kg of SF6 we have recovered. The physics need to be measured so we can identify the shape of the general gyre in the Greenland Sea and the magnitude of carbon within the patch area, so we can follow the evolution of carbon chemistry within the patch for several years to come. This enable us to understand the interplay between physical, chemical and biological processes better in the ocean and how devolved ions are transported. Map showing cruise track.
Blue lines are tracer release area.
The tracer is to found at depth between 300-700 meters in the water column figure Figure 3. The tracer has spread to large portions of the Greenland Sea since it were released in tiny streaks then in particularly towards the West and South. The distribution seems to follow what should be expected from the general circulation in the Greenland Sea. A detailed mapping of the distribution of the tracer in the Greenland Sea show that the tracer occupies approximately three to four times the area than in which it was released. The Greenland Sea is looked upon as one of the most important ocean due to the deep water convection and might be the peace maker in the thermohalin circulation.