Modifications of mode water properties by sub-mesoscales in a bio-physical model of the Northeast Atlantic

► Evidence from model/data comparison that sub-mesoscales play a significant role in the stratification of the mixed-layer between winter and early spring. ► Evidence of modifications of the physical and biogeochemical properties of Northeast Atlantic Mode Waters by sub-mesoscales. ► Moderate reduction of the physical carbon pump in the Northeast Atlantic by submesoscales (−10%) ► Negligible contribution of submesoscales on primary production and air-sea CO2 fluxes in the Northeast Atlantic.