135 



saltost water as shown in the sahnity profile. In the gulley we found 

 warm fresh water between two layers of colder Salter (i. e., heavier) 

 water. Such a physical state is one which is met very seldom in 

 oceanography, yet is not imcommon in the Grand Banks region. It 

 can be attributed only to a very intense mixing and interdigitation, 

 especially in the surface layers, when two water masses of diametri- 

 cally opposite character are brought together rapidly, which can exist 

 oidv temporarily. Such a juggling of densities has been observed in 



the mixing zone between polar and tropical water along the conti- 

 nental edge of the Grand Bank, and is to be noted at stations 264, 

 266, 313. 321. and 332 for 1023. The intensity of the activity of 

 the circulation is further supported by the set and drift of the ship 

 while making the observations, a current of 1-1.5 knots being re- 

 cordetl at this time and place. 



Summing up : A marked change has taken place during the month, 

 as will be seen by comparing profiles No. 9 and No. 14. The frigid 

 bottom water below 0°. which covered the Bank from the 30-meter 

 (16-fathom) level down to the ])ottom, entirely disappeared except 



