Physical Oceanographic Results of the "Calanus" Expeditions in Ungava Bay, Frobisher Bay, Cumberland Sound, Hudson Strait and Northern Hudson Bay, 1949–1955

Abstract

Results of the physical oceanographic work of the "Calanus" expeditions of 1949–55 are presented in summary. Bathymetric maps are given for Ungava Bay, Frobisher Bay and northeast Hudson Bay. Temperature, salinity and density profiles are used to show the direction of flow of water, without dynamic calculations. Temperature–salinity correlation diagrams show the presence of Atlantic water below 100 metres, well developed in Cumberland Sound, less so in Ungava Bay and Hudson Strait (but still present), and very slight in northern Hudson Bay. In Frobisher Bay the entry of Atlantic water, if it occurs, is masked by tidal turbulence. Inversions of density, giving temporary negative stabilities, are recorded at a number of stations, concentrated in the regions of large tidal ranges; association of these inversions with the state of the tide is indicated. Stability conditions of the water in general are presented; the winter régime in northern Hudson Bay offers no reason to doubt that a normal vertical exchange of water occurs. Special hydrographic conditions in certain inlets are described. The dominance of the whole hydrodynamic pattern by the tides, especially in the eastern part of the area under study, is emphasized.