Modelling of the Svalbard fjord Hornsund

• Autorzy: Jakacki J. , Przyborska A. , Kosecki S. , Sundfjord A. , Albretsen J.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The Arctic Ocean is currently in transition towards a new, warmer state. Understanding the regional variability of oceanographic conditions is important, since they have a direct impact on local ecosystems. This work discusses the implementation of a hydrodynamic model for Hornsund, the southernmost fjord of western Svalbard. Despite its location, Hornsund has a stronger Arctic signature than other Svalbard fjords. The model was validated against available data, and the seasonal mean circulation was obtained from numerical simulations. Two main general circulation regimes have been detected in the fjord. The winter circulation represents a typical closed fjord system, while in summer the fresh water discharge from the catchment area generates a surface layer with a net flow out of Hornsund. Also described are the local hydrographic front and its seasonal variability, as well as the heat and salt content in Hornsund. The integration of salt and heat anomalies provides additional information about the salt flux into the innermost basin of the fjord - Brepollen during the summer. Extensive in situ observations have been collected in Hornsund for the last two decades but our hydrodynamic model is the first ever implemented for this area. While at the moment in situ observations better represent the state of this fjord's environment and the location of measurements, a numerical model, despite its flaws, can provide a more comprehensive image of the entire fjord's physical state. In situ observations and numerical simulations should therefore be regarded as complementary tools, with models enabling a better interpretation and understanding of experimental data.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

hydrodynamic model; regional variability; oceanographic condition; salt content; heat content; anomaly; Hornsund Region; Svalbard Fjord

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Oceanologia
• Rocznik: 2017
• Tom: 59
• Numer: 4
• Opis fizyczny: p.473-495,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Jakacki J.

• Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstancow Warszawy 55, Sopot, Poland

autor

Przyborska A.

• Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland

autor

Kosecki S.

• Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland

autor

Sundfjord A.

• Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromso, Norway

autor

Albretsen J.

• Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.1016/j.oceano.2017.04.004