Dissolved Hafnium and Neodymium data measured on water samples during METEOR cruise M84/5 in the Bay of Biscay

We present dissolved neodymium and hafnium concentrations and radiogenic isotope compositions of surface and deep-water masses from the Bay of Biscay. Neodymium isotope signatures in surface waters of the Bay of Biscay are dominated by local weathering inputs from the surrounding continental margin. Subsurface Eastern North Atlantic Central Water (ENACW) shows a distinct Nd isotope signature (εNd≅‑12.0) at the southwestern-most station and is significantly diluted by mixing with more radiogenic waters on its way north along the European margin. Furthermore, the Nd isotope data clearly show a declining fraction of Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) at intermediate depths on its way north indicating that only 40% to 60% of MOW still present in the mixture at the Galician margin arrive at the stations further north in the Bay of Biscay. A potentially seasonal variability of the flow path of MOW is identified when comparing the results of the Nd isotope compositions and salinity data of this study with those of earlier studies from the area. In agreement with Nd isotope and concentration analyses Hf isotope composition of MOW is affected by large-scale inputs of terrigenous material into the Mediterranean as can be deduced from elevated Hf concentrations at the Galician margin. Hf isotope signatures of all water masses of the Bay of Biscay, moreover, are overprinted by local weathering inputs and do not reflect water mass mixing. However, combined dissolved Nd and Hf isotopes serve as a useful indicator of local weathering influences on signatures expected from long distance admixture.