Brine Rejection
10 months ago
- #oceanography
- #climate-change
- #sea-ice
- Brine rejection occurs when salty water freezes, expelling salts that don't fit into ice's crystal structure.
- This process increases seawater salinity and density, influencing ocean circulation and deep water formation.
- Sea ice salinity decreases over time due to brine rejection, with multiyear ice becoming less saline.
- Brine rejection contributes to the formation of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) and Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW).
- Brinicles form when cold, salty brine drains from sea ice, creating icicle-like structures that can freeze the seafloor.
- Brine rejection plays a role in climate change by affecting ocean CO2 absorption and deep water mixing.
- Coastal polynyas are key areas for brine rejection, impacting water mass ventilation and ocean circulation.
- Brine rejection in the Okhotsk Sea leads to dense shelf water (DSW) formation, influencing North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW).
- Sea ice brine channels host diverse microbial life despite harsh conditions.
- Climate change may alter brine rejection dynamics, affecting ocean ventilation and CO2 storage.