The seasonal variation of permanent currents within Baffin Bay

Abstract

The seasonal variation of permanent currents within Baffin Bay is investigated. A model based on physical reasoning is developed, whereby the speed of surface currents may be calculated during winter months, when observations are not available due to ice coverage. Verification is made where possible utilizing late fall, and early spring data. Limitations, applications, and variability of results are discussed. Two important applications are: first, to add to the oceanographic knowledge of the Baffin Bay area, and second, to provide an additional input to computer programs already in existence for forecasting the drift of sea ice within Baffin Bay.