Pack Ice and Ocean Flux Variability along the Labrador Coast

Areas and costs of future oil and gas developments along the costs of Newfoundland and Labrador depend on the pack ice and ocean environments that will be encountered. This research focuses on understanding the variability of pack ice, ocean volume, heat and freshwater fluxes along the Labrador Coast. Large variability in pack ice, iceberg population and ocean properties occurs and affects the cost and efficiency of offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Improved knowledge of present natural variability and possible affects of climate change will enhance the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.

Current research includes:

• Analysis of available pack ice, atmospheric and oceanic data,
• Monitoring ocean and pack ice flux with moorings
• Using regional numerical models to simulate the variability of seasonal ice advance and retreat along the Labrador and Newfoundland Coasts

Interannual variability in atmospheric, pack ice and oceanographic parameters are coherent, indicating a strong interaction and dependence among the three environments. Computer models have been able to simulate gross features of the pack-ice spatial variability with hind-cast atmospheric data.

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DFO Contact:

Simon Prinsenberg

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