Labrador Sea Water circulation in the Northern North Atlantic Ocean

As suggested by previous estimates of mid-depth circulation, the LSW layer is rapidly circulating around the periphery of the subpolar basin in northern and western boundary currents. Recirculation within basins and exchange between the Labrador Basin and Irminger Basin is modified by the large-scale PV constraints. Eastward flow across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is concentrated in the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone with return flow above the Reykjanes Ridge. A weaker subtropical return flow around the Azores Plateau appears, but data are insufficient to map adequately this region.