Image : Ocean surface mixed layer

Mean seasonal cycle of central Canada Basin mixed layer temperature departure from the local freezing temperature (top), mixed layer depth (middle), and vertical potential temperature gradient in the 5 meter interval below the mixed layer base (bottom) based on approximately 5800 ITP profiles. Estimates from individual profiles are marked by gray dots. The black curves connect monthly-mean values (reported at the average time of the available estimates); the brackets mark the average plus and minus the estimated standard deviations. Mean estimates for July and August are likely biased estimates as the ITPs often failed to resolve the very shallow and warm mixed layers characteristic of summer.

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Last updated: April 23, 2013