A rare long time series of hydrographic profiles and moored current meter data, collected from 1995 to 2008 in Terra Nova Bay polynya, are used in combination with meteorological data, acquired by an Automatic Weather Station, and remote sensing data from a Special Sensor Microwave/Imager. The behaviour of Terra Nova Bay coastal polynya in terms of air ice sea interactions and the consequent High Salinity Shelf Water production are detailed. The katabatic regime that characterizes Terra Nova Bay polynya is investigated and different types of events are distinguished on the bases of their duration and intensity. The more frequent katabatic events take place during the winter season from April to October, blowing on average 1-7 h, with speed between 25 and... |