Bottom Residual Drift on the Continental Shelf Area of the Canadian Atlantic Coast

Abstract

From 1961 to 1965, 14,137 sea-bed drifters were released over the Continental Shelf from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Maine–Bay of Fundy to investigate the residual drift along the bottom. A total of 2772 drifters were recovered either from the sea floor or along the shores. The recovery pattern, in time and in space, is studied for various portions of the Shelf.The inferred residual bottom drift is shown in a series of three charts. The estimated rate of drift lies between 0.2 and 0.7 nautical mile/day. The continuity of bottom drift over large areas is indicated. The relationship of surface to bottom drift is studied. Areas of convergence and upwelling are emphasized. No seasonal variations in the direction of bottom drift and in the speed have as yet been detected.