Coastal and Shelf Dynamics over the Eastern Canadian Shelf

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Marine and coastal resources over the eastern Canadian continental shelf from the Labrador Sea to the Gulf of Maine are under significant pressure from industry, such as offshore fishing and oil and gas development over the Grand Banks and the Scotian Shelf, and potential tidal energy extraction and coastal mega-quarries in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine. Better knowledge of physical conditions such as circulation, hydrography and variability over the region is needed for an ecosystem-based management of estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems over the region. The long-term objectives of this proposal are to model and predict circulation and associated variability at timescales ranging from a few hours to a few years and to identify main physical processes affecting coastal and shelf dynamics on the eastern Canadian shelf based on numerical simulations and available observations. The short-term objectives of the proposal are: (1) to develop a relocatable nested-grid ocean circulation modelling system; (2) to quantify the far-field effects of tidal energy extraction in the Bay of Fundy on the three-dimensional circulation and hydrography in the Gulf of Maine; and (3) to examine the circulation and variability over several marine sensitive areas of the eastern Canadian shelf such as the Gully of the Scotian Shelf based on model results and observations made in the areas. The state-of-the-art nested-grid modelling system will also be used in the process study of coastal and shelf dynamics over the eastern Canadian shelf affected by freshwater runoff and associated variability. The modelling work to be supported by the proposed research will be a major step toward an operational ocean prediction system for the region. The proposed research will also make significant contribution to the training of highly qualified personnel in modelling and prediction of marine environmental conditions, which is crucial for Canada's ability to compete internationally in this field.