Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/094

Oceanographic conditions in NAFO subdivisions 3Pn and 3Ps during 1995 and 1996 with comparisons to the long-term (1961-1990) average

By E. Colbourne

Abstract

Oceanographic data from NAFO subdivisions 3Pn and 3Ps during 1995 and 1996 are examined and compared to the long-term (1961-1990) average. The data are presented in several ways, as vertical transects across the major banks and channels, horizontal bottom temperature maps of the area and as a time series of temperature anomalies at standard oceanographic depths. The analysis indicates the anomalous cold period that started on the banks in the mid-1980s has moderated in some areas during the early 1990s but large areas with below normal temperatures continued in 1995, particularly on the eastern portions of St. Pierre Bank and the Placentia Bay area. Data from the 1996 spring survey; however, show conditions returning to more normal values. An examination of temperatures in the 200-400 m depth range along the edges of the Laurentian Channel and southwestern Grand Bank did not reveal any significant interannual variations; however, the region experiences large spatial variations of the order of 2.5°C at 200 m depth.

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