UAlberta oceanographers overturn decades-old understanding of the iconic Canadian ocean system, with implications for hydroelectric power generation.
Research by oceanographers at the University of Alberta is shedding new light on the complexities of currents in Hudson Bay—and the impact of the hydroelectric power industry on them.
“Our most significant finding was that there is a seasonal flow reversal in eastern Hudson Bay,” said Natasha Ridenour, PhD student in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and lead author of both studies on the topic. “This gives us a better understanding of the impact the hydroelectric industry has on Hudson Bay—and a better understanding of where river water carries nutrients, pollutants, and contaminants in the bay, which can get into the food chain.”
Currents in Hudson Bay were previously thought to solely flow counterclockwise, based on studies from the 80’s—but the researchers found that in May and June, the flow pattern in eastern Hudson Bay reverses and flows in a clockwise direction, while currents in western Hudson Bay continue to flow counterclockwise.
Ridenour explained that the flow reversal is generated by winds and snow melt in the spring—but is also sensitive to where the river discharge enters the bay, which can be changed by hydroelectric operations.
“The results from these two papers tell us that river discharge is important, and that hydroelectric regulation likely has an impact on the bay,” said Ridenour, who conducted the research under the supervision of Paul Myers, professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “This is especially important to understand if we are to increase hydroelectricity production as a form of renewable energy.”
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