Structure of Bottom Flows in Abyssal Channels of the Atlantic: Comparison of Autonomous and Vessel Observations in the Vema Channel, Romanche Fracture Zone, and Kane Gap

Oceanographic data from measurements in deep-water channels of the Atlantic Ocean were analyzed. Data from two different methods were compared: CTD/LADCP measurements from research vessels and data from autonomous mooring stations. The comparison showed that discrepancies between the data obtained by two different methods can significantly exceed the instrumental accuracy of the instruments. This result highlights the importance of correct selection of mooring station locations in conditions of significant spatial gradients in measured characteristics. The results of the analysis showed that throughout the Antarctic waters pathway, the measurement differences are of the same orders of magnitude. Therefore, the conclusions can be valid for all abyssal channels with intense AABW flows.