Long-term observing system for the oceanic regime of Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica (Weddell Watch)

Long-term observations of the flow of dense waters from their area of formation to the abyss of the World Ocean, and the return flow of warm waters, are crucial for advancing climate research. For the Weddell Sea an important component of such a system entail monitoring the formation of High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW) on the continental shelf north of Ronne Ice Front, its transformation to Ice Shelf Water (ISW) beneath the floating Filchner-Ronne ice shelf, and the subsequent transport of ISW overflowing the continental shelf break into the deep Weddell Sea. Equally important is the return flow of warm water toward the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf system. Here, we present our observing systems with focus on the long-term observations of temperature, salinity and velocity beneath the Ronne Ice Shelf and in the ISW plume on the Filchner sill.