On the abyssal circulation of the world ocean—IV

Abstract

Using box models, and the observed distribution of temperature, salinity and radiocarbon estimates are made of the origins and rate of flow of waters that make up the Common Water in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and Antarctic Intermediate Water. Difficulties in extending the computation to Antarctic Bottom Water are described. Emphasis is placed upon questions of computational reliability and the occurrence of ‘ill-conditioned’ equations.