In/out-flow of coastal water in Vestfjorden

Abstract

Hydrographic sections in Vestfjorden, Northern Norway, during winter 1977 showed strong horizontal temperature gradients on the west side of the fjord indicating an outflow of cold coastal water. Analysis of sea thermograph records from the ship route crossing the fjord between Stamsund and Bodø in the years back to 1936 shows that this hydrographic structure is a permanent phenomenon in the wintertime. Mean temperatures along the thermograph section for February, March and April are presented. A method is suggested for the estimation of the residence time of coastal water in the fjord by using data from standard meteorological stations combined with the thermograph data and data from a fixed hydrographic station.