A Note on Climatic Change in the Sea

Abstract

Strong increase in temperature and water transport in the Gulf Stream-North Atlantic Drift system during the recent climatic amelioration (1915 to about 1945) has been most effective in the northeast part of the system (Iceland, Faeroes, Barents Sea, Svalbard) and West Greenland. Increase in flow of Atlantic water northward is, however, balanced by increased southward flow of polar water. East Greenland and the Canadian Eastern Arctic, influenced by the polar outlets, have undergone little warming. A short period of climatic warming in the 1880s had more effect on the Ungava Bay region, and probably the whole Eastern Arctic, than the recent fluctuation. Biological evidence of this earlier warming is discussed. A lesser increase in current transport may have been involved than in the recent climatic amelioration.