Gulf of Maine currents and their connectivity. A summary.

A step by step  systematic analysis of  Gulf of Maine currents and their interconnections, including potential wind farm impacts. 

I. THE MAINE COASTAL CURRENT SYSTEM:

1. Eastern Maine Coastal Current (EMCC)
Strong, cold current flowing southwestward from Bay of Fundy
Speed: typically 15-30 cm/s
Highly turbulent, well-mixed
Critical for nutrient transport

Potential wind farm impacts:
Reduced current velocity from wind energy extraction
Altered mixing patterns affecting nutrient distribution
Changes in larval transport

2. Western Maine Coastal Current (WMCC)
Weaker continuation of EMCC
More stratified than EMCC
Speed: typically 5-15 cm/s
Significant seasonal variation
Potential wind farm impacts:
Increased mixing could disrupt natural stratification
Wake effects could alter plankton distribution
Changes in temperature structure


II DEEP BASIN GYRES:

1. Jordan Basin Gyre
Cyclonic (counterclockwise) circulation
Important for deep water renewal
Influenced by slope water intrusion
New research shows unique seasonal temperature patterns
Potential wind farm impacts:
Altered vertical mixing affecting deep water properties
Changed nutrient cycling
Modified stratification patterns

2.Wilkinson Basin Gyre
Similar to Jordan Basin but with distinct characteristics
Important for water mass exchange
Strong seasonal variation
Potential wind farm impacts:
Changed circulation patterns
Altered deep water properties
Modified stratification

3. Franklin Basin Gyre
Smaller than Jordan and Wilkinson
Important for local mixing
Connects to other basin systems
Potential wind farm impacts:
Local circulation changes
Modified mixing patterns

III. BOUNDARY CURRENTS:

6. Nova Scotian Coastal Current
Brings fresh water from Scotia Shelf
Critical for stratification
Strong seasonal signal
Potential wind farm impacts:
Altered freshwater transport
Changed stratification patterns
Modified nutrient distribution

7. Slope Water
Warm, saline water entering via Northeast Channel
Critical for nutrient input
Three-month transit time to Jordan Basin

Potential wind farm impacts:

Changed mixing with shelf water
Altered nutrient transport
Modified temperature patterns

IV. REGIONAL FEATURES:

Georges Bank Circulation
Strong tidal mixing
Important for fisheries
Complex frontal systems

Potential wind farm impacts:
Changed mixing patterns
Altered frontal dynamics
Modified nutrient distribution

Bay of Fundy Gyre
World's highest tides
Critical for mixing
Important whale habitat
Potential wind farm impacts:
Modified tidal mixing
Changed upwelling patterns
Altered whale feeding grounds

V. FRONTAL SYSTEMS:

Shelfbreak Front
Separates shelf and slope waters
Important for productivity
Strong seasonal variation
Potential wind farm impacts:
Changed front position
Modified mixing patterns
Altered nutrient exchange

Tidal Mixing Fronts
Important for productivity
Strong seasonal signal
Critical fish habitat
Potential wind farm impacts:
Changed front locations
Modified mixing intensity
Altered habitat characteristics

VI. CUMULATIVE CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Climate Change Interactions:
Gulf warming faster than 99% of global ocean
Changed stratification patterns
Modified current strengths
Wind farm impacts could either amplify or moderate these changes

2. Anthropogenic Pressures:
Fishing pressure
Pollution inputs
Habitat modification
Wind farms add another layer of complexity


Detailing potential wind farm impacts to GOM currents.

SURFACE-LEVEL IMPACTS:

1. Wind Energy Extraction Effects
Reduced wind speeds extending 35-70km downstream
Weakened surface current velocities
Changed upwelling/downwelling patterns
Modified surface mixing intensity

2. Wake Effects
Creation of turbulent zones
Formation of circulation dipoles
Altered plankton distribution patterns
Modified surface temperature patterns

MID-WATER IMPACTS:
1. Stratification Changes
Disrupted temperature layering
Modified density boundaries
Altered seasonal mixing patterns
Changed nutrient distribution

2. Mixing Zone Effects
Enhanced vertical mixing at turbine sites
Modified thermocline depth and strength
Changed internal wave patterns
Altered frontal boundary positions

DEEP WATER IMPACTS:

1. Basin Circulation Changes
Modified gyre strengths and patterns
Altered deep water renewal
Changed bottom water properties
Shifted nutrient cycling patterns

SYSTEM-WIDE EFFECTS

1. Current Interactions
Modified current strengths and paths
Changed intersection points of currents
Altered exchange between current systems
Modified tidal mixing patterns

2. Biological Responses
Changed larval transport patterns
Shifted feeding ground locations
Modified migration pathways
Altered habitat characteristics

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