Annual Rep0rtj95i
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
RESTRICTED JOINT COMMITTEE ON OCEANOGRAPHY PACIFIC OCEANOGRAPHIC GROUP ANNUAL REP0RTJ95I FoeJfie Qceontgrophte Group Nanolmo, B.C. Nwmbtr 25,1991. PfeaS PACIFIC OCEANOGRAPHIC GROUP Nanaimo, B.C. ANNUAL REPORT, 19 51 P.O.G. Files N 7-2 November 25, 1951 Appendix II ANNUAL REPORT PACIFIC OCEANOGRAPHIC GROUP Introduction 1. The priorities assigned to the program by the Chief Oceanographer were: I. Georgia Strait. II. Offshore. III. Daily Seawater Observations. IV„ Incidental. - This rating has been followed as closely as possible. Since March, sea observations have been limited to two cruises on the Offshore project. All other sea operations have been undertaken by personnel of the Institute of Oceanography and Pacific Naval Laboratory, with direction from this Group. Our attention has been devoted to the processing and analyses of data on hand, particularly Georgia Strait, Offshore and Baynes Sound. Research 2„ The observational phase of the Georgia Strait project was completed in January with the eleventh synoptic survey of the region. These extensive data have been processed, and the distribu tion of properties analysed by Mr. Waldie. It remains to describe and report this material. It is proposed to Issue a sories of reports dealing with the water movements and distribution of tempera ture and salinity throughout the year, and their relations to the daily seawater observations at Entrance Island and Cape Mudge. If opportunity allows an attempt will be made to solve the mechanism and dynamics of this seaway. • .' • 3. There have been two comprehensive surveys on the Off shore project under Mr. Doe which have confirmed the general struc ture of the waters observed last year but have shown considerable difference In degree. It appears that there is considerable struc ture, and significant annual variation, and it is possible that the Offshore fishery may bo related to the latter. The surveys of this year and last, are limited to spring, summer, and autumn, and there are indications of considerable winter structure which it is planned to observe in January 1952, if shipping Is available. The present data are being processed, to be reported as data records, and des criptions of the gradient currents and structure. 4. Daily seawater observations have continued under Mr. Hollister at 13 stations and the records for 1950 have been published A high correlation between the deviation from the grand mean tempera ture and the catch of flatfish in the Hecate Strait area has been found and is being used to predict the fishery this year. Similar relations have been found with the Barkley Sound herring fishery, and other possibilities are being investigated. It is apparent that the backlog of data Is proving worthwhile. 5. These daily seawater observations have also been examined by D.C. McLeod under the direction of Dr. G.LC Pickard at the Institute of Oceanography at the University of British Columbia. They showed that the annual, salinity and temperature cycles at each observing point are unique. They deduced a classification of type areas based on the nature of the salinity cycle, and were able to draw surface isotherms of the summer coastal waters which agree with those observed in bhe synoptic surveys. These findings demon strate that the daily seawater observations are indice: of the -3- oceanographic state, and that it will be possible to establish the relations between them. 6. "Incidental investigations and services have maintained their usual level during the year. The study of tidal and gradient currents in Loudoun Channel in connection with the loss of young herr ing has been reported. The study of Baynes Sound to determine the influence, if any, of oceanographic conditions on the spawning migra tions of flatfish, is of immediate concern and was given temporary priority over the Georgia Strait project. The work is finished and reports are being submitted. The extent of pollution from coal mine effluent in the T'Sable and Trent rivers was investigated and reported for Provincial Game Department. The reason for the anomalous depression of mean sea level at Seymour Narrows was investigated and reported for the Tidal Branch of the Hydrographic Service. 7. Miss Harper has designed a semi-micro procedure for the determination of dissolved oxygen in seawater which is suitable for use at sea. 8. Observations on the Eraser River Estuary:project were concluded in February and the data have been typed on Multllith masters. It is hoped to issue this record by the year's end. The data are being stockpiled against the time when there is leisure or personnel to analyse and report them. 9. An exploration of the British Columbia Inlets was undertaken as a joint project. We provided C.N.A.V. "EHKOLI" and appointed the leader Dr. G.L. Pickard to'our'staff during the summer. Mr. F.G. Taylor in charge of the biological studies was ..as signed by the Biological Station. They were assisted by graduate students from the Institute, supported by a grant from National Research Council. This project has been wvlftv oor,fl.1Heration for some time, to catalogue Vh* ohBMttepleblad o.f the inlets, and passages which had never been -4- observed oceanographically. The data are being analysed at the Institute and will be reported as research theses. 10. Construction of the Hydraulic Model of Alberni Har bour was completed by J.B. Nuttall before he left to take an Athlone Fellowship in the United Kingdom. This model reproduces the tides and river flow and combines fresh and seawater as in nature. The project is being carried under grants from Bloedel, Stewart and Welch Ltd., and a candidate is being sought to complete the examina tions, and carry out experiments In the Model. This new and power ful approach to coastal oceanography is especially suitable for the detailed study of harbours, estuaries, and limited seaways. Facilities 11. The allocation of the research ships oh oceanographic projects during the year was:- C.N.A.V. "EHKOLI" Dates Project January 8 Incidental (PNL) 9-12 Baynes Sound " 15-20 Incidental (PNL) February 13-18 Baynes Sound. Nanoose Bay Nodales Channe] ' May 12-August 7 _ Inlets September 6-14 Bute-Inlet H.M.C.S. "CEDARWOOD" January 6-10 Georgia Strait " 11 Bute Inlet " 12-14 Institute of Oceanography -5- H.M.C.S. "CEDARWOOP" (Cont.) Dat< Project January 15-20 Incidental (PNL) " 31-February 5 Incidental (PNL) February 6-7 Bute Inlet. 11 13-24 Georgia Strait " 20-22 Bute Inlet " 28-March 6 Fraser River Estuary Project - May 4-25 Offshore June 24-July 1 Incidental (PNL) July 17-August 14 Offshore 12. Efforts to improve technique, facilities and equip ment have continued and are proving their value. 13. New quarters have been provided on the main floor of the residence building at the Pacific Biological Station. These include eight studies, a library, a shipping room, -titrations laboratory, stock room, draughting room, and a main office. A fire proof vault was built adjoining these quarters where the data is properly filed and readily accessible. Separation from the chemistry laboratory, which was left behind in the old building, is not a serious inconvenience. 14. i\ Seawater Analyses Laboratory has been established unddr Miss Harper where a group of Technicians determine the salinity of seawater samples from all sources, and process all data. This •'v laboratory is based on semi-automatic titration units designed by Mr. Fjarlie and is proving to be efficient. Liaisons 15. The Hydrographic Service loaned us 27 reversing ther- mome ters and 4 Bathythermographs which were allocated to the B.C. Inlets and the Beaufort Sea Projects. In addition C.G.S. "WM.J. STEWART" made three series of observations in the northern passages between Vancouver.Island and the Mainland. In return we made a study of the reasons for the depression of mean sea level in Canoe Pass at Seymour Narrows. 16. The Pacific Naval Laboratory has provided technical assistance, and considerable equipment Including a photo-electric colorimeter, bathythermographs, sounding wire, and technical and scientific assistance, and makes all sailing arrangements for "EHKOLI" and "CEDhRWOOD". In return we have provided oceanographic data and monitoring service for their sea projects. 17. Messrs. Dodimead and Barber, our two senior Tech nicians, were loaned to Defence Research Board and the Hydrographic Service for the Beaufort Sea Expedition, where it is understood they contributed measurably to its success. 18. An illustrated lecture entitled "Oceanography on the Pacific Coast" was given to the University Women's Club, and the Rotary Club. 19. Radio interviews on C.N.A.V. "EHKOLI", and in the Ocean Model Laboratory were given to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 20. A formal demonstration of the Alberni Harbour Model was given to an invited audience on Sunday, May 13. 21. Oceanographic Advisory service was given to several agencies during the year, notably: California Solar Salt Co. regarding the practicability of making salt in British Columbia, -7- B.C, Electric Company regarding the installation of a gas pipeline under Georgia Strait. B.C. Research Council regarding' their survey of Fraser River Water Quality. Chemistry Department at the University of British Columbia regarding suitable oceanographic researches, Fraser River Model of the National Research Council regarding intrusion of seawater into the Fraser Riv.er Estuary. Conferences 22 I attended the January meetings of the Joint Committee on Oceanography in Ottawa, to report my stewardship of this group and receive instructions from the Chief Oceanographer. I went on to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution where I took part in a symposium on estuarine oceanography, and consulted with all scientists on their programs and methods. From there I went to Halifax to learn If Dr. Ford might become available to the Pacific Coast, and to visit the Naval Research Establishment.