Physical Oceanography in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Physical oceanography has been practiced in Atlantic Canada since the beginnings of the science in the second half of the 19th century. Pursued largely as an applied science, its efforts have been directed toward providing information to mariners and other marine users. Early efforts focused on tidal observations to promote safe navigation. This was expanded in the early 20th century to regional studies in support of fisheries. In the second half of the 20th century, physical oceanography in Atlantic Canada grew to support the offshore development of oil and gas, provide more comprehensive environmental assessments of marine projects and processes, improve Search and Rescue responses and to better understand and predict climate change and variability. Oceanographers now have the capabilities to observe the ocean in near real-time using satellites as well as autonomous in situ instruments. The continued growth in computer power and other information technologies has permitted the development of operational ocean models that can provide real-time information and projections on oceanic conditions to a broad section of the marine community.