NPIW
North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) is a water mass in the North Pacific Ocean that occupies intermediate depths, roughly between 700 and 1500 meters below the surface. It is a distinct layer defined by its characteristic temperature, salinity, and chemical properties, setting it apart from surface waters and deeper waters in the region. NPIW plays a key role in the interior circulation of the North Pacific and contributes to the vertical structure and ventilation of the ocean.
Formation of NPIW occurs mainly in the subpolar North Pacific during winter, when surface cooling and sea-ice
Properties and circulation: After formation, NPIW flows predominantly eastward and southeastward, residing at depths corresponding to
Importance and variability: NPIW is a major component of the North Pacific’s interior circulation, influencing the