High resolution tidal model of Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Baffin and Hudson Bay

Abstract

Ice induced variability of tides in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, including Baffin Bay and Hudson Strait/Hudson Bay system, was studied by means of a new high resolution tidal model. Here we show that the seasonal variations of the tidal constants are significant in the major part of the domain. Month to month changes of the tidal phases can reach 180 degrees due to changes in the number and positions of the amphidromic points, whereas the amplitude variations are especially large in the near resonant basins. We also show that the tidal seasonality has undergone dramatic changes in the past decades due the decaying extent of the Arctic sea ice. These seasonal/decadal scale changes not only vary tidal dissipation on the shelf, but also impact tides in the adjacent open ocean and, therefore, cannot be neglected.

The Regional Ice Ocean Prediction System v2: a pan-Canadian ocean analysis system using an online tidal harmonic analysis

“…A new method is presented here that makes use of a sliding-window approach. This approach allows for time-varying harmonic constants that can adapt to seasonal variations in the tides due to the sea ice cover (e.g., Kleptsova and Pietrzak, 2018).…”

“…Moreover, in areas of sea ice cover, a strong seasonal cycle in tidal harmonics may be present. Indeed, Kleptsova and Pietrzak (2018) show summer-winter differences in the M2 amplitude that exceed 1 m in Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay, with changes in phase up to 180 • due to the displacement of tidal amphidromes. Xie et al (2011) find that a 3 d mean filter provides a suitable reduction in tidal variance in the South China Sea to permit SLA assimilation but note that more sophisticated filters may provide better results.…”

The Influence of Arctic Landfast Ice on Seasonal Modulation of the M2 Tide

“…This is high compared to our altimetry-derived seasonal modulation in the area (0-0.25 m; Figure 6c). Kleptsova and Pietrzak (2018) attributed the deviation between their model output and in situ observations to the use of constant boundary conditions at the eastern entrance of Hudson Strait. St-Laurent et al (2008) specifically compared M 2 March and September amplitudes (consistent with our approach), obtained from a 3D ocean model coupled to a sea-ice and snow model.…”

Multi‐Century Impacts of Ice Sheet Retreat on Sea Level and Ocean Tides in Hudson Bay

“…Furthermore, we have considered changes in sea level and tides in the HBC during the ice‐free season. Because Hudson Bay is currently characterized by a long sea ice cover season which dampens the magnitude of the tides (Godin, 1986; Kleptsova & Pietrzak, 2018; St‐Laurent et al., 2008), future work will explore the impact of retreating sea ice on our results.…”