The analysis of water masses indicates that the intermediate current predominantly transports Antarctic Intermediate Water, which is characterized by a minimum salinity on vertical profile. This water mass originates from the subduction of low-salinity water in the Subantarctic front zone of the South Pacific Ocean and is conveyed to the western equatorial Pacific via subtropical circulation.
The model simulations reveal that the intermediate water entering the Indonesian Seas through the Maluku Sea eventually exits into the Indian Ocean via export channels within the Indonesian Seas. The intermediate western boundary current in the Maluku Sea serves as a vital link between intermediate currents in both oceans, enabling a possible pathway for upwelled Pacific Ocean intermediate water in the Indian Ocean. This current plays an important role in global heat and CO2 storage and redistribution.
These findings highlight how interconnected ocean currents are and underscore why it is crucial to comprehend these intricate systems for predicting and mitigating climate change impacts.
