Current, Temperature and Salinity Observations in the Terra Nova Bay Polynya Area

Abstract

Long term (February - December 1995) time series of temperature, salinity and current have been analysed for the understanding of the main dynamics in the Terra Nova Bay Polynya area. Two main periods have been identified on the base of the observations: 1) from the ice-free sea conditions to the water column density homogenisation, and 2) the winter polynya period. During the first period the surface fresh water was transformed into High Salinity Shelf Water and sensible heat was delivered to the polynya surface. An analysis of the current-meter data during winter time indicated a transport of HSSW from the polynya area to the Ross Sea of about one Sverdrup.