Subannual and Seasonal Variability of Atlantic-Origin Waters in Two Adjacent West Greenland Fjords

Abstract

Greenland fjords provide a pathway for the inflow of warm shelf waters to glacier termini and outflow of glacially modified waters to the coastal ocean. Characterizing the dominant modes of variability in fjord circulation, and how they vary over subannual and seasonal time scales, is critical for predicting ocean heat transport to the ice. Here we present a 2-year hydrographic record from a suite of moorings in Davis Strait and two neighboring west Greenland fjords that exhibit contrasting fjord and glacier geometry (Kangerdlugssuaq Sermerssua and Rink Isbræ). Hydrographic variability above the sill exhibits clear seasonality, with a progressive cooling of near-surface waters and shoaling of deep isotherms above the sill during winter to spring. Renewal of below-sill waters coincides with the arrival of dense waters at the fjord mouth; warm, salty Atlantic-origin water cascades into fjord basins from winter to midsummer. We then use Seaglider observations at Davis Strait, along with reanalysis of sea ice and wind stress in Baffin Bay, to explore the role of the West Greenland Current and local air-sea forcing in driving fjord renewal. These results demonstrate the importance of both remote and local processes in driving renewal of near-terminus waters, highlighting the need for sustained observations and improved ocean models that resolve the complete slope-trough-fjord-ice system.