AN INITIATIVE OF
DEEP SEA SCIENCE.
February 11, 2016
Richard DeweyONC Associate Director, Science
2016 Saanich inlet symposiumPhysical processes in Saanich inlet
WHAT THE OCEAN IS TELLING US ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE | APRIL 23, 2013DEEP SEA SCIENCE.
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Saanich inlet- Protected fjord, wind events N or S- Sill Depth 75m, Maximum Depth 230m- 24 km long, width 1-5 km- No significant estuary circulation, more likely a
reverse estuary with fresh surface waters in main basin coming from outside (Winter RF/CR, Summer FR/SoG)
- Tidal currents at sill ~½ knot or less, weakening immediately in the Inlet
- Currents in main basin tend to be cyclonic (anti-clockwise), peak currents 5-10 cm/s
- Vertical mixing is weak, some internal wave/tide, more lateral stirring.
- Density intrusions, including deep water renewal governed by salinity sources (S) and mixing outside, with in-flow “finding” the appropriate density surface or bottom.
WHAT THE OCEAN IS TELLING US ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE | APRIL 23, 2013DEEP SEA SCIENCE.
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BuoyProfiler System(BPS)
~210m isobath
WHAT THE OCEAN IS TELLING US ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE | APRIL 23, 2013DEEP SEA SCIENCE.
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Spring Tide (stronger mixing)Neap (weaker mixing)
Neap Tide (weakest mixing)
Salinity StratifiedSources: Fresh (Rivers) and/or Salt (Upwelling)
WHAT THE OCEAN IS TELLING US ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE | APRIL 23, 2013DEEP SEA SCIENCE.
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