DOCSLIB.ORG

Northernsearoutehandbook-B E.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Northernsearoutehandbook-B E.Pdf Northern Sea Route Handbook, Practical (Volume One) Table of Contents Chapter I: Basic Knowledge about the Northern Sea Route .................. 1 1. Basic knowledge about the geography, climate and hydrographic conditions of the Northern Sea Route ........................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Overview of the Northern Sea Route ...................................................................... 1 1.1.1 The Northeast Passage and Northwest Passage ............................................. 1 1.1.2 History of the Northern Sea Route .................................................................... 2 1.1.3 Merits and demerits of the Northern Sea Route ............................................... 4 1.2 Basic geographical knowledge ................................................................................ 5 1.2.1 Total area of the Arctic Ocean ........................................................................... 5 1.2.2 Water depths in the Arctic Ocean ..................................................................... 6 1.2.3 Water depths on the Northern Sea Route ......................................................... 6 1.2.4 Rivers of the Arctic Ocean ................................................................................ 7 1.2.5 Seas of the Northern Sea Route ....................................................................... 8 1.2.6 Islands around the Northern Sea Route ......................................................... 12 1.2.7 Straits of the Northern Sea Route ................................................................... 12 1.2.8 Ports around the Northern Sea Route ............................................................ 16 1.2.9 Navigation routes of the Northern Sea Route ................................................. 19 1.3 Basic knowledge about climate and hydrographic conditions ............................... 21 1.3.1 Temperature.................................................................................................... 22 1.3.2 Polar night and polar day ................................................................................ 24 1.3.3 Precipitation .................................................................................................... 24 1.3.4 Amount of snow .............................................................................................. 27 1.3.5 Arctic stratus clouds and fog ........................................................................... 28 1.3.6 Arctic haze ...................................................................................................... 30 1.3.7 Low pressure fronts ........................................................................................ 30 1.3.8 Ice movement and surface currents ................................................................ 34 1.3.9 Water temperatures ........................................................................................ 35 1.3.10 Swells ........................................................................................................... 36 1.3.11 Wind .............................................................................................................. 37 1.3.12 Aurora ........................................................................................................... 38 2. Basic knowledge about sea ice ............................................................................... 40 2.1 Sea ice of the Arctic Ocean ................................................................................... 41 2.2 Ice types and terminology ..................................................................................... 44 2.2.1 Terms relating to ice type ................................................................................ 44 2.2.2 Terms relating to the development process of sea ice .................................... 45 2.2.3 Terms relating to fast ice formations ............................................................... 51 2.2.4 Terms relating to drift ice formations ............................................................... 52 2.2.5 Terms relating to characteristics of sea ice surfaces ....................................... 56 2.2.6 Terms relating to sea ice thawing process ...................................................... 58 2.2.7 Terms relating to sea ice volume or concentration .......................................... 60 2.2.8 Terms relating to sea ice distributions ............................................................. 62 2.2.9 Terms relating to the sea surface in ice areas ................................................ 65 2.2.10 Terms relating to atmospheric phenomena of sea ice areas ......................... 66 2.2.11 Terms relating to ship operating .................................................................... 67 2.2.12 Terms relating to ice of land origin ................................................................ 68 2.3 Formation of sea ice .............................................................................................. 71 2.4 Structure of sea ice ............................................................................................... 73 2.5 Sea ice strength .................................................................................................... 74 2.6 Composition of sea ice .......................................................................................... 75 3. Basic knowledge about ice class ships .................................................................. 77 3.1 Ice class ................................................................................................................ 77 3.1.1 Dangers specific to icebound seas ................................................................. 71 3.1.2 Main ice classes ............................................................................................. 79 3.1.3 Target vessels by ice class ranking ................................................................. 81 3.2 Role of ice class ships ........................................................................................... 83 3.3 Features and construction of ice class ships ......................................................... 85 3.3.1 Hull weight ...................................................................................................... 85 3.3.2 Hull shape ....................................................................................................... 85 3.3.3 Maximum cargo capacity ................................................................................ 86 3.3.4 Engine power .................................................................................................. 87 3.3.5 Bow shape ...................................................................................................... 88 3.3.6 Stern shape .................................................................................................... 89 3.3.7 Ship bottom and transection ........................................................................... 90 3.3.8 Ice belt ............................................................................................................ 90 3.3.9 Propulsion systems ......................................................................................... 91 3.4 Facilities and equipment of ice class ships ............................................................ 94 3.4.1 Sea bay .......................................................................................................... 94 3.4.2 Heating devices .............................................................................................. 94 3.4.3 Towing equipment ........................................................................................... 94 3.4.4 Air bubbling ..................................................................................................... 95 3.4.5 Water jet ......................................................................................................... 96 3.5 Icebreaking methods of ice class ships and ice load ............................................. 96 3.5.1 Continuous-mode icebreaking and flexure fracture ........................................ 96 3.5.2 Ramming and crushing ................................................................................... 96 3.5.3 Ice load action on ice class ships ................................................................... 96 Chapter II: Navigation Practices on the Northern Sea Route ............. 101 1. Basic principles of navigation ............................................................................... 101 1.1 Principle of ice avoidance .................................................................................... 101 1.2 Principle of maintaining a safe speed .................................................................. 102 1.3 Principle of high-place lookout ............................................................................ 103 2. Lookout procedures ............................................................................................... 106 2.1 Reading a sign of ice from ice blink ..................................................................... 106 2.2 Detection of other signs of ice ............................................................................. 107 2.2.1 Encounter with fog .......................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Arctic Floating University-2018: Terrae Novae”
    Expedition Project “Arctic Floating University-2018: Terrae Novae” Dates: July 10-29, 2018 Duration: 20 days Organizers: Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, ROSHYDROMET. Route: Arkhangelsk – Solovetsky Islands – Russkaya Gavan’ (Novaya Zemlya) – Malye Oranskiye Islands – Cape Zhelaniya – Murmantsa Bay (Gemskerk Island) – Ledyanaya Gavan’ – Varnek (Vaigach Island) – Matveev Island – Cape Menshikov – Propashchaya Bay – Bugrino (Kolguyev Island) – Arkhangelsk. I - IV -hydrological sections Expected Number of Participants: 58 (students, post-graduate students, research fellows from Russian and foreign scientific and educational institutions). Partners: Russian Geographical Society, Russian Arctic National Park, Lomonosov Moscow State University, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne. Expedition Aims: • acquiring new knowledge about the state and changes in the ecosystem of the coastal areas of Novaya Zemlya archipelago; • training of young specialists in the Arctic-focused specialties: hydrometeorology, ecology, arctic biology, geography, ethnopolitology, international law etc.; • development of scientific and educational cooperation with the Arctic Council countries in the framework of high-latitude Arctic expeditions; • promotion of the Russian scientific, historical, cultural and natural heritage and polar specialties, promotion of the Russian Arctic concept at the national and international level. RESEARCH PROGRAM: assessment of man-made pollution of the local
    [Show full text]
  • Cruise 54Th of the Research Vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in the Kara Sea M
    ISSN 00014370, Oceanology, 2010, Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 637–642. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc., 2010. Original Russian Text © M.V. Flint, 2010, published in Okeanologiya, 2010, Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 677–682. Cruise 54th of the Research Vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in the Kara Sea M. V. Flint Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia Email: [email protected] Received December 10, 2009 DOI: 10.1134/S0001437010050012 The modern state of the Arctic Basin and the vari ered characteristic of the vast region located east of ability of this basin are determined to a great extent by Novaya Zemlya. the processes on the shelf and continental slope of the The key role of the Kara Sea in the Arctic ecosys Arctic marginal seas. Annually, the volume of tem is in the fact that it accepts the greatest freshwater 5000 km3 of the rivers’ runoff is transported to the shelf runoff of the rivers in the entire Arctic Basin. Its and continental slope. The rivers’ runoff determines annual volume reaches 1200–1300 km3/yr, 90% of the significant freshening of the Arctic surface waters. which is the runoff of the Ob and Yenisei rivers. The It influences the formation of the seasonal stratifica river runoff into the Kara Sea is more than half of the tion and the circulation pattern in the upper layer of entire runoff of the Siberian Arctic and more than the continental seas. The runoff of the rivers transports onethird of the total freshwater runoff into the Arctic enormous volumes of allochtonous nutrients, sus Basin.
    [Show full text]
  • Bruce Hopper
    april 1936 The Soviet Conquest of the Far North Bruce Hopper Volume 14 • Number 3 The contents of Foreign Affairs are copyrighted.©1936 Council on Foreign Relations, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this material is permitted only with the express written consent of Foreign Affairs. Visit www.foreignaffairs.com/permissions for more information. THE SOVIET CONQUEST OF THE FAR NORTH By Bruce Hopper THE search for the Northeast Passage to Cathay, which for four centuries stirred the imagination of European mari seem at ners, has at last ended in triumph. We the beginning a new of phase of man's relations with the North. are to In this great polar saga three historic dates. The first seek the short-cut route from the Atlantic to the Pacific was Sir on Hugh Willoughby, who in 1553 perished with all hands the coast. In centuries of of Murman the ensuing navigators many the seafaring nations resumed the search. Some turned back be were to fore being caught; others lured eastward their doom in the ice. In 1878-79, A. E. Nordenski?ld made the first through passage by "freezing in" for the winter. The only other expedi to ? of on tions subsequently pass those Vil'kitsky, Amundsen on ? the Maud, Toll, and Nansen the celebrated Fram pursued the same method. It remained for the Soviet ice-breaker, Sibiry akov, from to Vladivostok in 1932, to sailing Arkhangelsk ? complete a season first the through-passage in single navigating the time in history. was not an was This feat accident of Soviet exploration.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land & Novaya
    JEWELS OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC: FRANZ JOSEF LAND & NOVAYA ZEMLYA Follow in the footsteps of early arctic explorers on the Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya expedition, voyaging to two of the most isolated, icy archipelagoes in the Russian High Arctic. From the mountains of Novaya Zemlya to the wildlife sanctuary of Franz Josef Land, these are rugged and essentially uninhabited landscapes that few have ever experienced. There’s no shortage of amazing adventures in these remote regions, where ice-capped peaks soar majestically out of the water and polar bears wander in their natural environment. The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers or your travel professional, who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. ITINERARY Day 1 — Helsinki, Finland Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish Bid farewell to Novaya Zemlya as we cruise farther north to Franz Josef Land. sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Attend hotel. presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea.
    [Show full text]
  • Characteristics of Short Period Internal Waves in the Kara Sea Inferred
    ISSN 00014338, Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics, 2015, Vol. 51, No. 9, pp. 1073–1087. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2015. Original Russian Text © I.E. Kozlov, V.N. Kudryavtsev, E.V. Zubkova, A.V. Zimin, B. Chapron, 2015, published in Issledovanie Zemli iz Kosmosa, 2015, No. 4, pp. 44–59. REMOTE STUDY OF OCEANIC PROCESSES IN POLAR REGIONS Characteristics of ShortPeriod Internal Waves in the Kara Sea Inferred from Satellite SAR Data I. E. Kozlova, b, *, V. N. Kudryavtseva, E. V. Zubkovaa, A. V. Zimina, c, and B. Chaprond, a aRussian State Hydrometeorological University, St. Petersburg, Russia bKlaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania cShirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg Branch, St. Petersburg, Russia dInstitut Francais de Recherche pour L’exploitation de la mer, Brest, France *email: [email protected] Received in June 30, 2014 Abstract—In this paper we present the results of shortperiod internal wave (SIW) observations in the Kara Sea on the basis of satellite ENVISAT ASAR data between July and October 2007. Altogether, 248 internal wave (IW) packets and solitons are identified in 89 SAR images. Detailed spatial statistics of IW signatures and their properties in the Kara Sea is presented. The primary regions of IW activity are the areas near the Kara Gates Strait, the southeastern part of the Novaya Zemlya Trough, and in the vicinity of Cape Zhelaniya. We identify the regions where large IW packets are observed with wavelengths up to 2–3 km and the front length exceeding 200 km. The mean interpacket distance for observed IWs is about 20 km, but it may reach 50–60 km.
    [Show full text]
  • Overview of Strong Winds on the Coasts of the Russian Arctic Seas
    Ecologica Montenegrina 25: 14-25 (2019) This journal is available online at: www.biotaxa.org/em Overview of strong winds on the coasts of the Russian Arctic seas ANNA A. SHESTAKOVA and IRINA A. REPINA Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia Correspondence author. E-mail: [email protected] Received 25 August 2019 │ Accepted by V. Pešić: 20 September 2019 │ Published online 8 November 2019. Abstract Joint analysis of ground-based standard observations, spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar observations and the Arctic System Reanalysis (ASR) v.2 allow us to identify areas with storm and hurricane wind in the Russian Arctic in detail. We analyzed statistics and genesis of strong winds in each region, with the special emphasis on orographic winds. For those regions where wind amplification occurs due to downslope windstorms (Novaya Zemlya, Svalbard, Tiksi, Pevek, Wrangel Island), a statistical analysis of the intensity and frequency of windstorms was carried out according to observations. Reanalysis ASR v.2 demonstrates significantly better strong wind climatology in comparison with another high-resolution Climate Forecast System Reanalysis. ASR v.2 still underestimates speed of strong winds, however it reproduces rather well most of mesoscale local winds, including Novaya Zemlya bora, Spitsbergen foehn, bora on Wrangel Island and some other. Key words: downslope windstorms, tip jets, ASR, orographic winds. Introduction According to criteria for hazard weather of Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet) (Federal ... 2009), a very strong (dangerous) wind on the coasts of the seas is a wind with 10-min averaged speed exceeding 30 m/s.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewels of the Russian Arctic
    JEWELS OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya A Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 5 Arrival and Departure Details 7 Your Ship 9 Included Activities 10 Dates and Rates 11 Inclusions and Exclusions 12 Your Expedition Team 13 Extend Your Trip 14 Meals on Board 15 Possible Excursions 18 Packing Checklist Overview Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya One of Earth’s least-explored frontiers and the newest destination to our portfolio, EXPEDITION IN BRIEF the sparsely populated Russian High Arctic is a place of isolated, rugged beauty Explore this rarely visited region of that will leave you amazed. Few travelers have ever ventured into this near- the Russian Arctic uninhabited landscape. On Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such Zemlya, we follow the footsteps of early northern explorers to two of the most remote as polar bears, walrus and seabirds archipelagos on the planet, enabling guests to experience an in-depth exploration Explore glaciated Novaya Zemlya, where of seldom-visited regions in the stark and spectacular Russian Arctic. the earliest Arctic explorers overwintered From the ancient mountains of Novaya Zemlya to the wildlife sanctuary of Franz Visit significant sites at Franz Josef Land Josef Land, these secluded lands offer a exhilarating mix of unique sights and and learn about the region’s fascinating history adventures. Marvel at ice-capped peaks soaring majestically out of the Arctic sea. Watch in hushed wonder at the unforgettable sight of a polar bear roaming its natural environment. Immerse yourself in a corner of our planet few humans ever to, with the operator that knows polar adventure better than anyone.
    [Show full text]
  • High Arctic Odyssey
    IN COLLABORAZIONE CON HIGH ARCTIC ODYSSEY Remote Russian Archipelagos A Contents 1 Overview 2 High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos 2 22-Day Itinerary 6 Arrival and Departure information 8 Your Ship Options 10 included Activities 11 Dates & Rates 12 Inclusions & Exclusions 13 Your Expedition Team 14 Extend Your Trip 15 Meals on Board 16 Possible Landing Sites 19 Packing List Overview Explore the most enigmatic and extreme regions of the Russian High Arctic with our EXPEDITION IN BRIEF epic High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos voyage. In the spirit of a true arctic Experience a true expedition as we explorer, you’ll discover breathtaking ice-draped coastlines that are rarely visited by explore rarely visited Severnaya Zemlya even the most intrepid adventurers. From the heavily glaciated Novaya Zemlya and Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as Franz Josef Land to the isolated islands of the icy Kara Sea, this exclusive itinerary polar bears, walrus and seabirds was designed to spend more time exploring these pristine places, increasing your Explore glaciated Novaya Zemlya, where chances of encountering unique wildlife and visiting some of our favorite far-flung the earliest Arctic explorers overwintered destinations steeped in polar history. If weather and ice conditions allow, we will Visit significant sites at Franz Josef Land explore Severnaya Zemlya, the last major territorial discovery on the planet. and learn about the region’s storied history The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the Discover rarely visited islands of the icy chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable Kara Sea adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers or your travel professional, who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Status of the Arctic Soils
    Journal of Elementology ISSN 1644-2296 Nikitina M., Popova L., Korobicina J., Efremova O., Trofimova A., Nakvasina E., Volkov A., 2015. Environmental Status of the Arctic Soils. J. Elem., 20(3): 643-651. DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2014.19.4.743 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF THE ARCTIC SOILS Maria Nikitina, Lyudmila Popova, Julia Korobitcina, Olga Efremova, Anna Trofimova, Elena Nakvasina, Alexey Volkov Institute of the Natural Science and Technologies M. Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University Abstract The Arctic region is under an ever-increasing anthropogenic influence. The nature in the Arctic is extremely vulnerable to the effects of pollutants, which may eventually lead to certain irreversible ecological processes. Heavy metals occupy a special place among priority pollutants. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to assess the ecological status and the degree of con- tamination with heavy metals of the soils of Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Arctic soils were studied in the region of the White Sea and the Barents Sea during the Arctic Floating University, a research expedition held in July 2012 by M. Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University. During the expedition, samples were collected and the landscapes (topography, vegetation) were described. In order to assess the impact of environmental conta- mination, the total content of heavy metals in soils was evaluated by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). The level of soil contamination was assessed according to the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC), temporary permissible concentrations (TPC), chemical substance factor (Kc) and the total pollution index (Zc). Our analysis of the experimental data showed a wide-range change in the soil agrochemi- cal parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • History of the Northern Sea Route
    1 History of the Northern Sea Route ``History is a lantern to the future, which shines to us from the past'' V.O. Klyuchevskiy 1.1 FIRST VOYAGES (V.Ye. Borodachev, V.Yu. Alexandrov) The history of the exploration of the North is full of heroic spirit andtragedyÐthe voyages andexpeditionsthat accompaniedgeographical discoveriesÐthe history of scienti®c studiesÐorganization of a system of stationary and non-stationary observa- tionsÐcreation of the scienti®c±technical support service for the Northern Sea Route (NSR)Ðall in all, the history of a ®erce battle against the incredibly severe conditions of the Arctic. It is challenging to comprehensively reconstruct the backgroundto this history. The famous Norwegian polar explorer andscientist Fridtjof Nansen wrote: ``We speak about the ®rst discovery of the NorthÐbut how can we know when the ®rst man appearedin the Earth's northern regions? We know nothing except for the very last migration stages of humanity. What occurredduring these long centuries is still hidden from us'' (Nansen, 1911). Indeed, we have some evidence on Pytheas, a Greek from Massalia, who between 350 and310 bc reachedEnglandandthen a ``gloomy land''he calledThule, beyond which ``there is no sea or landor air with some mixture of all these elements hanging in space'' (Belkin, 1983). Such a perception of the earth's northern regions was preserved for many centuries andonly began to change in the 9th to 11th centuries with the appearance of ®rst the Norsemen in the Barents andWhite Seas. Between 870 and 890 ad, more than a thousandyears after the voyage of Pytheas, the Norwegian seafarer Ottar rounded the northern tip of Europe and explored the Barents and White Seas.
    [Show full text]
  • Features of the Continental Runoff Distribution Over the Kara Sea A
    ISSN 0001-4370, Oceanology, 2017, Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 19–30. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc., 2017. Original Russian Text © A.A. Polukhin, P.N. Makkaveev, 2017, published in Okeanologiya, 2017, Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 25–37. MARINE CHEMISTRY Features of the Continental Runoff Distribution over the Kara Sea A. A. Polukhin* and P. N. Makkaveev Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia *e-mail: [email protected] Received March 23, 2016; in final form, June 8, 2016 Abstract—This paper considers different types of the continental runoff distribution over the Kara Sea depending on hydrological and meteorological processes based on 1993–2014 expedition data of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology. The results of calculating the relative contribution of fresh water from several sources (the Ob and Yenisei rivers and melted ice) using hydrochemical parameters are also given. DOI: 10.1134/S0001437017010143 INTRODUCTION can be combined with the western type. Naturally, The Kara Sea is the receiving basin for the runoff of such river runoff propagation is mainly determined by Siberia’s two largest rivers: the Ob and Yenisei [4]. In wind [7]. The second important factor is the volume of addition, the sea also receives waters from the Pur, fresh waters supplied from the Ob, Yenisei, and other Taz, Pyasina, and other rivers. The total runoff of riv- rivers (this work took into account only waters of the ers emptying in the Kara Sea is 1350 km3/yr, 82% is Ob two former rivers, which make up over 80% of the total and Yenisei waters [15]; i.e., the waters of these rivers freshwater runoff in the Kara Sea).
    [Show full text]
  • Hearing on the Arctic: a New Arena of Geostrategic Importance and Great Powers Rivalry
    AFET Committee of the European Parliament: Hearing on the Arctic: a new arena of geostrategic importance and great powers rivalry Testimony concerning: Shipping through the Arctic - Freedom of navigation, new commercial routes and civil security issues in the Arctic Rebecca Pincus, PhD1 Assistant Professor, US Naval War College Arctic Strategy Advisor, US Dept. Of Defense Summary: Arctic warming has drawn attention to emerging shipping routes through the Arctic Ocean. These routes offer potential time and fuel savings on shipping between some northern ports in Asia, Europe, and North America. Of the three major routes—the Northwest Passage, the Transpolar Route, and the Northern Sea Route—only the NSR is currently of commercial interest. However, significant challenges to safe shipping are present around the Arctic basin. These include sea ice hazards, changing weather, lack of infrastructure, distant rescue services, communication problems, and more. Section 1. Shipping Routes in the Arctic Ocean The Northwest Passage The Northwest Passage traverses Canada’s northern coastline. Several different routes may be used to travel between the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific. From the Bering Strait, ships travel east through the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, and then may take the Amundsen Gulf or McClure Strait. Several routes are possible through the islands of the Canadian Arctic archipelago.2 Some of the channels, in particular Simpson Strait, have draft restrictions, others have complex currents. Ice conditions vary and may block travel through these routes. Traveling eastwards, ships will exit the Northwest Passage through either Baffin Bay and the Hudson Strait, or Hudson Strait and the Labrador Sea, ending up in the Atlantic Ocean southeastwards of Greenland.
    [Show full text]