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Northeast US Ecosystem Indicator Catalog

52 Slopewater Proportions

Last updated July 23, 2026

Description: This index gives the relative proportions of watermass type observed in the deep Northeast Channel (150-200 m water depth).

Contributor(s): Paula Fratantoni

Affiliations: NEFSC

Indicator Family:

Indicator Category:

Synthesis Theme:

52.1 Introduction to Indicator

Temperature and salinity measurements are examined to assess the composition of the waters entering the Gulf of Maine through the deep Northeast Channel. The analysis closely follows the methodology described by [82]. This method assumes that the waters flowing into the Northeast Channel between 150 and 200 meters depth are composed of slope waters, originating offshore of the continental shelf, and shelf waters, originating on the continental shelf south of Nova Scotia.

52.2 Key Results and Visualizations

No response

Mid-Atlantic

#> NULL


New England


52.3 Implications

No response

52.4 Indicator statistics

Spatial scale: Within the central Northeast Channel

Temporal scale: Annual

Variable definitions

52.5 Get the data

Point of contact: Paula Fratantoni ()

ecodata dataset: ecodata::slopewater

Tech Doc link: https://noaa-edab.github.io/tech-doc/slopewater.html

52.5.1 Public Availability

Source data are publicly available.

References

82.
Mountain DG. Labrador slope water entering the Gulf of Maine—response to the North Atlantic Oscillation. Continental Shelf Research. 2012;47: 150–155. doi:10.1016/j.csr.2012.07.008