Rationale: Oceanographic conditions play a key role in the functioning of the Barents Sea ecosystem. The temperature in the Barents Sea is dependent on the advection of heat through the southwestern opening and defines the distribution of various important species as well as the extent of the seasonal sea-ice cover. Hence, monitoring oceanographic properties is important for the management of the ecosystem of the Sea
Theme: Abiotic
Component: Oceanographic conditions
Type of indicator: E, state of the ecosystem
Priority of indicator: e, essential
Parameters:
• Water temperatures (IMR, PINRO, NIVA, NERSC, ECMWF)
• Salinity (IMR, PINRO, ECMWF)
• Nutrients (IMR, PINRO)
• Oxygen (PINRO)
Responsible institution:
Temperature anomaly at 100 meter depth in the Barents Sea in Feb-Apr 2008 relative to 1970-2008 average. Source: Institute of Marine Research