Characterization of the coastal marine environment in the vicinity of a grounded iceberg, Canadian Arctic Archipelago

This study aimed to characterize the marine environment in the vicinity of a grounded iceberg near Resolute, Nunavut, and evaluate its potential influence on the surrounding water column. A survey of the physico-chemical properties (salinity, temperature and δ18O, as well as nitrate, phosphate and silicic acid concentrations) and phytoplankton biomass was conducted from August 11th to 29th, 2014. The water column was strongly stratified throughout the study area due to sea ice melt. The iceberg’s interference with the ocean currents resulted in mixing and potentially upwelling in the adjacent water column. A phytoplankton bloom, indicated by high chlorophyll a concentrations (13.7 to 21.0 mg m-3) and surface nutrient depletion, was observed and likely began prior to sea ice break up on August 9th. The presence of icebergs on Arctic continental shelves may influence local coastal current dynamics, although it did not appear to influence nutrient dynamics during this study.