Currents and Transport in Cabot Strait

Abstract

Currents and transport of volume and salt have been calculated by dynamical methods for Cabot Strait in the section extending from Cape North (Lat. 47°02′N., Long. 60°23′W.), Cape Breton Island, to Cape Ray (Lat. 47°37′N., Long. 59°18′W.), Newfoundland. A depth of 400 m. was assumed to be a level of horizontal isobars and zero motion. Five hydrographic stations were occupied in the section, providing data for current and transport calculations for four divisions of the section. Eight crossings of the section were made, observing spring, summer and autumn conditions through the years 1950–54. Features of the current distribution noted are: much variation from cruise to cruise, strongest currents in August and least in April and May, currents outward on the Cape Breton side, and most often inward on the Newfoundland side, and reversals with depth with no fixed pattern.Inward and outward transports through the section were found to be of the order of 106 cu. m. per second and to vary considerably. Zero net transport was found in each instance to be attained by a small velocity adjustment comparable with errors inherent in the method of calculation. Salt balance calculations confirm these velocity adjustments.