Observational Evidence of Ventilation Hotspots in the Southern Ocean

Standing meanders are a key component of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) circulation system, and numerical studies have shown that these features may locally enhance subduction, upwelling, as well lateral vertical tracer transport. Yet, observational data from regions remain sparse. Here, we present results based on measurements made by group autonomous platforms sampling an ACC standing meander formed due to interaction Polar Front with Southwest Indian Ridge. Two Seagliders were deployed alongside Biogeochemical-Argo float was advected through meander. In high eddy kinetic energy region meander, glider observations reveal enhanced submesoscale frontal gradients heightened variability at depth, compared more quiescent further downstream. Vertical in spice apparent oxygen utilization reduced despite similarities large-scale stratification, suggesting greater ventilation surface ocean. These consistent highlight hotspots for subduction mesoscale stirring velocities. Our emphasize need account spatial heterogeneity processes influencing air-sea exchange, carbon export, biogeochemical cycling Southern Ocean.