![]() Its salinity maximum can be clearly traced in the entire North Atlantic ( Reid 1994), and it has been the subject of numerous studies ( Arhan and King 1995 Iorga and Lozier 1999a, b van Aken 2000b). ![]() Mediterranean Water (MW) provides the North Atlantic basin with unique thermohaline properties. From these results and considering 0.74 Sverdrups (Sv 1 Sv ≡ 10 6 m 3 s −1) as the mean outflow of MOW, the MW exportation rate was inferred (2.2 Sv), which, decomposing MW, means that the MOW outflow is accompanied by 1.24 Sv of entrained ENACW, 0.18 Sv of AAIW, and <0.01 Sv of LSW. Finally, the underlying Labrador Sea Water (LSW) also contributes (0.4% ± 0.1%) to the characteristics of MW. A diluted form (80% of dilution) of the Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) reaches the region and also takes part in MW formation (8.3% ± 0.5%). The results obtained indicate that mixing of MOW (34.1% ± 0.3%) occurs mainly with overlying ENACW (57.1% ± 0.8%) in a process broadly known as central water entrainment. Here, the composition of MW in its source region (the Gulf of Cádiz, west off Strait of Gibraltar) is investigated on the basis of an optimum multiparameter analysis. Its high salinity content influences the thermohaline properties of the intermediate–deep water column in the North Atlantic and its dynamics. As MOW outflows, it entrains eastern North Atlantic Central Waters (ENACW) and Intermediate Waters to form the neutrally buoyant Mediterranean Water (MW) that can be traced over the entire North Atlantic basin. The Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) spills from the Mediterranean Sea (east North Atlantic basin) west off the Strait of Gibraltar.
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