The Greenland Sea is the section of the Arctic Ocean that separates Greenland and Iceland. The boundaries of the reservoir run along Jan Mayen Island and Svalbard.
The area of this sea is small - about 1.2 million km. sq. The average depth is 1640 m, and the maximum is over 5520 m. A map of the Greenland Sea shows that it touches the Norwegian Sea in its eastern part.
Features of the Greenland Sea
The water surface is covered with drifting ice. Especially a lot of ice is noted in the center and in the northern part of the water area. This area is also called the Greenland shelf. Shipping is very difficult because of the powerful ice. In summer, the water warms up a little, reaching a temperature of about +6 degrees. In winter, the temperature drops to -2 degrees.
The cold East Greenland Current and the warm Spitsbergen Current are the main factors affecting the temperature regime. Islands washed by the Greenland Sea: Greenland, Jan Mayen, Iceland, Svalbard. Their shores are mostly rocky and heavily indented. The sea has many small bays, picturesque fjords, bays and other relief bends. The Greenland Sea coastline is characterized by limited natural resources.
Climatic conditions
There is a belt of ice near the eastern coast all year round. In April, the maximum ice cover is observed, and in September, the minimum ice extent. The subarctic, maritime and arctic climate prevails in the water area. The conditions of the continental arctic climate are formed over the ice sheet. There are frequent cyclones, which cause strong winds and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Marine life
The Greenland Sea, like all cold bodies of water, is home to many species of northern birds. Among them there are gulls, cormorants, terns, guillemots, etc. Phytoalgae and plankton are present in the icy waters, which serve as food for whales. It is home to striped and bowhead whales, killer whales and dolphins. Of pinnipeds, there are walruses and seals.
The fish world is rich in commercial species. The sea is inhabited by herring, codfish, sea bass, black halibut, flounder, etc. In the coastal zones, crustaceans, molluscs and coelenterates are found. There is a polar shark in the Greenland Sea. Local residents are mainly engaged in fishing. Fishing and animal fishing takes place seasonally, in areas of the sea that are free of ice. Great importance is attached to the seal fishery. The skins of these animals are processed, supplied to the domestic market, and also exported.
