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The AR7W section was sampled from 2700-m isobath on the Labrador side to 750-m isobath on the Greenland side (Fig. 1). The section was done in several parts: the Labrador slope (station 12) to the central gyre (station 19) on January 31 ­ February 1, station 21 on February 5 and the remainder of the line to Greenland (station 32) on February 6-8. Pack ice prevented the Knorr from sampling further west and nighttime icebergs prevented us from sampling further east. Salinity and oxygen were sampled at standard depths on all casts, using all 24 bottles on casts deeper than 3500 m.

 
Figures 2-5 show potential temperature, salinity, density and oxygen. Below about 1500 m, these sections are remarkably similar to those taken during February 1997. The nearly identical deep oxygen values confirm that our oxygen sampling and measurement techniques were consistent with those from winter 1997. The potential temperature and salinity of the deep Labrador Sea water core (1800 m ­ 2000 m) are consistent with those from Summer and Fall 1997 hydrographic cruises.

ALACE or SOLO floats were deployed at all AR7W stations except for those too close to the boundaries. Floats with vanes to measure vertical currents (VCM floats) were deployed SW of Bravo; floats without vanes were deployed NE of Bravo. RAFOS floats were deployed at 7 stations on the Greenland side of the section (See Appendix 2 for details).