Author(s): T. G. Brown; G. Barry; T. Carstens; K. R. Croasdale; R. M. W. Frederking
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: In considering a fixed link between the mainland and Prince Edward Island, there have been concerns, sometimes serious, regarding the possible influences that the bridge might have on the ice environment. Largely, these concerns have resulted from a belief that the current marine climate in Northumberland Strait is an important element in the productivity of the local marine biota. Typically, the Strait is Ice covered from late December or early January until normally the third week in April, although ice may be clear by late March, or may linger until late May. Because the waters of the Strait are shallow, warming is rapid and average temperatures by August are 18°C or 19°C. The rapid increase in water temperature and the large number of degree days result in the local lobster population experiencing two moults each summer, with a corresponding high growth rate. In addition to lobster, the Northumberland Strait waters also represent important fiShing grounds for other species. The concerns regarding the construction of a bridge and Its affect on the ice regime have focused on the potential for the Ice clearing in the Strait to be delayed, for fast ice to be extended, and for increased scour to result from these two phenomena. A comprehensive modelling exercise was undertaken early in the environmental studies to attempt to determine the impact of the bridge on the ice regime t, oth during the winter, and during the breakup season when the ice is clearing. This paper briefly describes the models used to determine these effects and discusses the results obtained from the finalized modelling process, for the bridge concept now under construction.
Year: 1994