M. Ioualalen, J. Holfort, G. Siedler and W. Zenk, C. Hénin and J. Picaut
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 27, Issue 9, p. 1243-1246 doi:10.1029/1999GL002396
ABSTRACT
The salinity, temperature and current distributions have been measured
during the TROPAC cruise (Oct./Nov. 1996) at two sections, i.e. 143°E
and 150°E, during the final phase of the 1995/1996 La Niña.
The results present evidence that the fresh pool and the salinity front
at its eastern boundary had moved far to the west, and that a barrier layer
existed in that phase. The observed currents support the idea that advective
processes play an essential role in creating the thermo- haline structure
during this ENSO phase. In relation with this process, it is found that
the westward subduction mechanism of relatively dense eastern equatorial
waters may apply during that phase.