Measurement of near-bottom currents on hills in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean

Measurements in the eastern tropical Pacific show considerable space-time variation in the bottom currents. A near-bottom intensification in the current velocity over the bottom boundary layer (BBL) has been recorded. A benthic storm (BS) appeared to be related eddies extending to the bottom on abyssal hills. The action of these eddies can lead to a change in the direction of the bottom currents and an increase in their velocity. This action also manifests itself by a change in the depth of the benthic thermocline, a reduction in its thickness and in the temperature gradient, as well as in a transformation of the Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and the emergence of bottom fronts.<
>