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Abstract Antarctic bottom water (AABW) forms through the descent of dense shelf waters (DSW) into the abyssal ocean, with tides playing a key role in DSW transport and entrainment. Previous studies suggest that tides can suppress the net overflow entrainment, favoring the formation of denser AABW. However, how tidal effects on AABW formation and associated material sequestration vary with a changing climate remains unclear. In this study, an idealized numerical model is used to investigate potential climatic influences on tidally influenced AABW properties. Experiments are conducted with varying ambient stratifications and rates of DSW supply, inspired by projected future changes over the Antarctic continental shelf. The results show that tidal advection and associated V‐shaped front can modify the vertical diffusivity and the exchanges between DSW and its ambient waters, thereby altering the properties of AABW. For a future warm and salty shelf, AABW will become warmer and saltier accordingly, with the effects of the V‐shaped front weakening significantly. Conversely, for a future cold and fresh shelf, AABW formation is nearly nonexistent due to the stronger dilution of DSW, and the tidal effects become much weaker. Additionally, tidal suppression of overflow mixing is only significant for large DSW fluxes (thickness) and becomes negligible for small DSW fluxes. These findings suggest that the contribution of tides to DSW descent will weaken under global warming, thereby accelerating the slowdown of AABW formation. 

Dense, cold waters formed on Antarctic continental shelves descend along the Antarctic continental margin, where they mix with other Southern Ocean waters to form Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). AABW then spreads into the deepest parts of all major ocean basins, isolating heat and carbon from the atmosphere for centuries. Despite AABW’s key role in regulating Earth’s climate on long time scales and in recording Southern Ocean conditions, AABW remains poorly observed. This lack of observational data is mostly due to two factors. First, AABW originates on the Antarctic continental shelf and slope wherein situmeasurements are limited and ocean observations by satellites are hampered by persistent sea ice cover and long periods of darkness in winter. Second, north of the Antarctic continental slope, AABW is found below approximately 2 km depth, wherein situobservations are also scarce and satellites cannot provide direct measurements. Here, we review progress made during the past decades in observing AABW. We describe 1) long-term monitoring obtained by moorings, by ship-based surveys, and beneath ice shelves through bore holes; 2) the recent development of autonomous observing tools in coastal Antarctic and deep ocean systems; and 3) alternative approaches including data assimilation models and satellite-derived proxies. The variety of approaches is beginning to transform our understanding of AABW, including its formation processes, temporal variability, and contribution to the lower limb of the global ocean meridional overturning circulation. In particular, these observations highlight the key role played by winds, sea ice, and the Antarctic Ice Sheet in AABW-related processes. We conclude by discussing future avenues for observing and understanding AABW, impressing the need for a sustained and coordinated observing system. 

Abstract From late‐summer 2013 to late‐summer 2014, a total of 20 moorings were maintained on the eastern Chukchi Sea shelf as part of five independent field programs. This provided the opportunity to analyze an extensive set of timeseries to obtain a broad view of the mean and seasonally varying hydrography and circulation over the course of the year. Year‐long mean bottom temperatures reflected the presence of the strong coastal circulation pathway, while mean bottom salinities were influenced by polynya/lead activity along the coast. The timing of the warm water appearance in spring/summer is linked to advection along the various flow pathways. The timing of the cold water appearance in fall/winter was not reflective of advection nor related to the time of freeze‐up. Near the latitude of Barrow Canyon, the cold water was accompanied by freshening. A one‐dimensional mixed‐layer model demonstrates that wind mixing, due to synoptic storms, overturns the water column resulting in the appearance of the cold water. The loitering pack ice in the region, together with warm southerly winds, melted ice and provided an intermittent source of fresh water that was mixed to depth according to the model. Farther north, the ambient stratification prohibits wind‐driven overturning, hence the cold water arrives from the south. The circulation during the warm and cold months of the year is different in both strength and pattern. Our study highlights the multitude of factors involved in setting the seasonal cycle of hydrography and circulation on the Chukchi shelf.