1. Dynamics of the Gulf of Maine
Joe Caracappa

2. Geography and Topography
Bay of Fundy
Georges Bank
Scotian Shelf
Northeast Channel
Great South Channel
Gulf of Maine Census, 2014

3. Mean Currents Gulf of Maine Census, 2014 Bigelow, 1927
Maine Gyre – Counterclockwise
Georges bank Gyre – Clockwise

4. Water Masses Maine Surface Water (MSW) – Seasonally Variable
Maine Intermediate Water (MIW) – Coldest region, sourced by Scotian Current
Maine Bottom Water (MBW) – High salinity, Gulf Stream origin
Water
Masses
MSW
MIW
MBW
Brooks, 1985

5. Seasonal Changes Winter – Less Stratified, Slower mean currents
Summer – More Stratified, Faster gyration
Satellite Oceanography Data Lab, University of Maine.& Naime et al, 1994.

6. Biological Relevance JULY
Very Productive Fishery (Specifically Georges Bank)
Peak landings ~35 million pounds (1990)
Current landings ~ 4 million pounds
Support Large coastal population in US and Canada
OCTOBER
APRIL

7. References
Bigelow, H. B Physical Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine. Fish Bull. 40:
Brooks, David Vernal Circulation in the Gulf of Maine. Journal of Geophysical Research. 90:
Greenberg, David Modeling the Mean Barotropic Circulation in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine. Journal of Physical Oceanography. 13:
Lynch, Daniel et al Comprehensive coastal circulation model with application to the Gulf of Maine. Continental Shelf Research. 16:
Naimie, Christopher et al Seasonal variation of the three- dimensional residual circulation on Georges Bank. Journal of Geophysical Research. 99:15,967-15,989.
Satellite Oceanography Lab, University of Maine
Gulf of Maine Census
Bell,Tom Scientists, fishermen at odds on cod stock in Gulf of Maine. Portland Press Herald.