Physical Processes within the North Water (NOW) Polynya

Polynyas are large areas (10-90 000 km super(2)) of open water or reduced ice cover in the midst of the thick ice pack that cover polar oceans during much of the year. By remaining open in winter or becoming ice-free early in spring, polynyas serve as feeding, mating, spawning and over-wintering grounds for a diverse and populous bird and mammal community. Accordingly, polynyas have been compared to oases in terrestrial deserts. The North Water (NOW) Polynya in northern Baffin Bay is amongst the most productive marine areas north of the Arctic circle. It is located within latitudes that will be impacted early and most strongly by the present trend in climate variability and change. The NOW Polynya is active throughout most of the annual cycle and is likely created and maintained through a combination of latent and sensible heat mechanisms.