Observations on oceanography and sedimentation at Pangnirtung Fiord, Baffin Island.

Abstract

This Fiord is a glacial trough draining the SW portion of Penny Icecap. Despite a large inflow of sediment from streams draining the glaciers and Icecap, glacio-marine sediments have been deposited in sufficient thickness to mask glacial features only in the central portion of the fiord. A major trench in the fiord floor is believed to result from erosion by turbidity currents. Replacement of bottom water occurs frequently or continuously during the year and helps to determine the distribution of sediment. The oxygen-rich bottom water supports a large benthic fauna which severely bioturbates the sediments. -from Author