Energy balance of the intertidal zone of Western Hudson bay I: Ice‐free period

Abstract

Abstract This study reports on tower measurements from the intertidal zone taken during the ice‐free period between August 1 and September 20, 1985. Sea and air temperatures showed ranges of 8 and 14°C, respectively, and both were colder during onshore than during offshore winds. Onshore winds were associated with a nearly saturated atmosphere whereas offshore ones were quite dry. Surface albedo was twice as great for low tide as for high tide. The ratio net/solar radiation was 13% less at low tide owing to both the larger albedo and the stronger long‐wave radiation loss. Heat fluxes into the bottom sediments were small with net gains in August and net losses in September. During the day, heat storage in the water was large and positive. This occurred even with the tide out, when the ponded water continued to warm. At night the water gave up heat, both for low and high tide, and especially late in the season. The latent heat flux was always positive and was largest by day during low tide and by night duri...