Antarctic intermediate water (AIW) A water mass formed at the surface near to the Antarctic convergence, at about 50°S. It is typified by a low salinity (33.8 parts per thousand) and low temperature (2.2°C). As it spreads northwards it sinks to depths of 900 m and can be traced even in the North Atlantic at 25°N.

Antarctic intermediate water (AIW) A water mass formed at the surface near to the Antarctic convergence, at about 50°S. It is typified by a low salinity (33.8 parts per thousand) and low temperature (2.2°C). As it spreads northwards it sinks to depths of 900 m and can be traced even in the North Atlantic at 25°N.