Temperature and salinity are important components of the oceanic environment influencing biological productivity. Table T6.2.1 shows charts of February and August temperatures and salinities in the shallow nearshore waters of Nova Scotia. The February upper-layer temperatures are at or close to freezing; the south shore of Nova Scotia and Bay of Fundy show the highest values in the region. August temperatures are highest in the Northumberland Strait and become cooler southwestward from Cape Breton along the Atlantic Coast.

Traditionally, there are three distinct oceanic environments that influence the province: the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Scotian Shelf and the Bay of Fundy - Gulf of Maine.

This Document Includes:

Environment of the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Environment of the Scotian Shelf
Environment of the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine

Download PDF File (162k, 5 pages, 2 figures, 1 table)

Additional Keywords:
hydroelectric development, stratification, mixing, tides, fronts, vertical layers.

Associated Topics:

T3.5 Offshore Bottom Characteristics
T5.2 Nova Scotia's Climate
T6.1 Ocean Currents
T6.3 Coastal Aquatic Environments
T6.4 Estuaries
T7.1 Modifying Forces
T10.9 Algae
T11.7 Seabirds and Birds of Marine Habitats
T11.12 Marine Mammals
T11.14 Marine Fishes
T11.17 Marine Invertebrates

Associated Habitats:

H1 Offshore
H2.4 Mud Flat