Ocean Water Masses — Story Map
Overview
An interactive story map that guides the reader through the major water masses of the global ocean — from the Subantarctic Mode Water forming under fierce southern winds, to the Antarctic Bottom Water sinking to the deepest ocean floor.
Built with Leaflet.js and a scroll-driven narrative, the map updates as you read, zooming into each formation region and highlighting the extent of each water mass.
Water masses covered
- SAMW — Subantarctic Mode Water (35°S–50°S)
- AAIW — Antarctic Intermediate Water (Subantarctic Front, ~50°S)
- NADW — North Atlantic Deep Water (Labrador Sea & Nordic Seas)
- AABW — Antarctic Bottom Water (Weddell Sea & Ross Sea)
Why it matters
These water masses connect all ocean basins through thermohaline circulation — a slow conveyor belt driven by temperature and salinity differences. They regulate regional climates, distribute oxygen and nutrients, and absorb a significant fraction of atmospheric CO₂. Monitoring their changes is essential for understanding climate futures.