Arctic Bay Research Articles

A Sixteen Thousand Year Old Organic Deposit, Northern Baffin Island, N.W.T., Canada: Palynology and Significance

A 3 m exposure of sediment containing organics was sampled near the settlement of Arctic Bay, Baffin Island, N.W.T. A total of seven radiocarbon dates have been obtained from the deposit. Three dates between 182.5 and 290 cm depth gave radiocarbon ages between 14,185 ± 760 and 16,849 ± 860. A date from 82.5 to 87.5 cm resulted in an age of 8635 ± 565. An apparent reversal in 14C dates may reflect folding of the sediments associated with the downslope creep of the deposit or rapid accumulation of organics. The three basal dates are the first terrestrial sediments from Baffin Island to date from older than ca. 10,000 BP and less than 20,000 BP. Analysis of the sediment for pollen indicated that it is generally sparse. The pollen assemblage is dominated by Salix, Cyperaceae, and Gramineae pollen and exotic pollen types {Pinus, Picea, Betula, and Alnus) occur sporadically throughout the section.

Late Quaternary Marine and Terrestrial Environments, Northwestern Baffin Island, Northwest Territories

Paleoenvironmental data were analyzed from terrestrial, lake, and marine sediments collected near Arctic Bay, Baffin Island, N.W.T. Eighteen new radiocarbon dates provide chronological control, superseding earlier results. Spuriously old dates were obtained from both sandy peats and low-organic lake sediments. The most reliable dates were from marine shells and foraminifera. They indicate that déglaciation was underway by 9000 BP rather than 16,000 BP. Over the period of the record, the local environment was characterized by a high arctic pollen assemblage dominated by grass, sedge, and willow; a middle Holocene warm period is indicated by increased willow, herb, and moss values. Sea-ice conditions were severe enough to inhibit the growth of diatoms until ca. 6300 BP and ice proximal and deglacial conditions prevailed in the fiords until ca. 6000 BP. Diatom productivity increased between 3000 BP and 2500 BP, suggesting warmer surface waters and less sea ice. After 2000 BP diatom accumulation decreased sharply, due to a cooling of climate. The foraminifera indicate a major change in bottom water conditions ca. 4000 BP as the benthic species shift from a calcareous to an arenaceous assemblage.

Inhibition of primary production by UV-B radiation in an arctic bay – model calculations

Inhibition of primary production by UV-B radiation (UVBR) in Kings Bay, western Spitsbergen, was modelled using measured physical and biological data. The underwater radiation regime was modelled using continuous measurements of incoming radiation and repeated measurements of underwater attenuation of Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) and UVBR. By using attenuation measurements, P/I curves and UVBR sensitivity measurements, we modelled the reduction of primary production in the photic zone for 14 days. We also calculated how the estimate was dependent on the different factors. The model showed that, on average, 2.9 % of the primary production was inhibited by UVBR, assuming that the inhibition is a function of the UVBR irradiance. If the ozone layer were reduced to 200 DU, the inhibition would increase to 4.4% using unweighted UVBR values. The model indicated that at ambient ozone levels the inhibition was practically independent of the chosen weighting function, but the choice was critical when predicting the effects of a depleted ozone layer. At 200 DU, using DNA weighting, the inhibition was 14.4% but using erythema weighting it was 6.5%. Different P/I curves did not change the estimate while changes in water attenuation gave results in the range 1.6–5.2%. The most uncertain factor in the model was the estimate of the sensitivity of primary production. Using four different in situ incubations, the estimated integrated reduction in primary production caused by UVBR ranged from 0.05–4.1%.

Vulnerability to climate change in the Arctic: A case study from Arctic Bay, Canada

This paper develops a vulnerability-based approach to characterize the human implications of climate change in Arctic Bay, Canada. It focuses on community vulnerabilities associated with resource harvesting and the processes through which people adapt to them in the context of livelihood assets, constraints, and outside influences. Inuit in Arctic Bay have demonstrated significant adaptability in the face of changing climate-related exposures. This adaptability is facilitated by traditional Inuit knowledge, strong social networks, flexibility in seasonal hunting cycles, some modern technologies, and economic support. Changing Inuit livelihoods, however, have undermined certain aspects of adaptive capacity, and have resulted in emerging vulnerabilities in certain sections of the community.

Development and application of bioaccumulation models to assess persistent organic pollutant temporal trends in arctic ringed seal ( Phoca hispida) populations

Individual- and population-based models were developed to simulate the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) over the lifetime of ringed seals ( Phoca hispida) and account for the effects of age, growth, body condition and sex (including gestation, birth and lactation). Lactational transfer was described using a milk to blubber partition coefficient, which was shown to be a function of K ow ( K MB = 1 / (1.676 + 1.293 · 10 − 7 · K ow) r 2 = 0.60, n = 32, p < 0.001). Simulations showed that nursing mothers could transfer between 5% and 40% of their burden of low and high K MB contaminants, respectively, to their milk over 40 days of lactation. The models were calibrated using a POPs dataset for 50 seals (29 males, 21 females) from Arviat, Nunavut. They were initially calibrated for a group of eight highly recalcitrant PCB congeners (e.g. PCBs 153, 180) assuming a baseline elimination rate ( k e) of about 0.03 year − 1 . For congeners more prone to biotransformation a satisfactory fit could only be reached by iteratively increasing k e to values ranging from 0.05 to 2.5 year − 1 for PCBs 187 and 18, respectively; thus the models became a means for estimating k e. Estimated k e values were correlated with a calculated index of susceptibility to biotransformation ( k e = 0.0284 / R rel r 2 = 0.98, n = 20, p < 0.001). This relationship was used to estimate k e values used in simulations to hind-cast temporal trends of ΣPCB, ΣDDT, ΣCHL, αHCH, βHCH in ringed seal populations and to predict potential future trends. Results of these simulations showed good agreement with measured concentrations in seals from two locations in the Canadian Arctic (Holman Island, NWT and Arctic Bay, Nunavut) collected between 1972 and 2001. The models show that the combined effects of rapid juvenile growth, a fast rate of population turnover and substantial capacity to eliminate many POPs result in fairly rapid responses to changes in contaminant loading, thus making ringed seals an effective choice for monitoring spatial and temporal trends of POPs in the Arctic marine ecosystem.

북극 스발바드 군도 Kongsfjorden의 해조상

Marine benthic flora was investigated in an Arctic bay. Specimens of chlorophyte, phaeophyte, and rhodophyte were collected and examined over the period from July to August 2003 from Kongsfjorden Spitsbergen in Svalbard Islands. A total of 28 genera and 32 species (5 chlorophytes, 18 phaeophytes, and 9 rhodophytes) was identified and described. A green alga Enteromorpha linza(Linnaeus) J. Agardh, a brown alga Asperococcus compresus Griffiths ex Hooker, and three red algae Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) Steentoft et al., Rhodymenia pacifica Kylin and Schizochlaenion rhodotrichum Wynne et Norris were recorded in Svalbard Islands for the first time.

Local Ecological Knowledge of Ivory Gull Declines in Arctic Canada

We gathered local ecological knowledge (LEK) on the ivory gull (Pagophila eburnea) from residents of three High Arctic communities in eastern Canada. This gull has always been uncommon, but Inuit had suggested that numbers of gulls were declining. LEK from Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay was clear and consistent, indicating that far fewer gulls are currently observed near the community compared to 25 years ago. The LEK from Arctic Bay was less consistent, although in general, community members thought that the species was less commonly observed. Observations from nonsystematic surveys by local wildlife officers corroborated the LEK data, and an aerial survey of the known colony locations on the Brodeur Peninsula (near Arctic Bay) found only one gull. Collectively, this information suggests that ivory gull populations are declining across the species' Canadian range. Systematic surveys will be needed to confirm these perceived declines.

Inuit spring hunting techniques and local knowledge of the ringed seal in Arctic Bay (Ikpiarjuk), Nunavut

Inuit hunting techniques used to catch ringed seals (Phoca hispida) were observed April-June 1993 on the land-fast ice of Admiralty Inlet, Nunavut, and adjoining fjords and bays. In addition, a survey of hunting techniques and knowledge of ringed seal biology and behaviour was conducted in the community of Arctic Bay (Ikpiarjuk), Nunavut, January-February 1994. A total of 246 seal structures were found in 31 days of hunting and 34 successful kills were observed. An experienced Inuk hunter found subnivean structures by sight, by walking on drifts and by probing snowdrifts with a harpoon (unaaq). Most structures were found using subtle visual cues. Breaking through the roof of a lair was the most common hunting technique observed in this study. Pups captured in this manner were subsequently used to lure the mother back into the breathing hole where she was harpooned. Ringed seals were also hunted by a number of other methods that have been described previously in the literature. Respondents in the hunter survey indicated that the ringed seal was the most important animal used by Arctic Bay Inuit. They also reported a variety of biological findings about ringed seals including: size differences among seals in different regions of the pack ice; that adult male ringed seals (tiggak) emitted a strong, mustelid-like odour from December until late May or early June. Hunters also reported that males were occasionally caught when coming to retrieve pups. All respondents reported seeing increasing frequencies of liver abnormalities in their ringed seal catches.

Inuit spring hunting techniques and local knowledge of the ringed seal in Arctic Bay (Ikpiarjuk), Nunavut

Inuit hunting techniques used to catch ringed seals (Phoca hispida) were observed April-June 1993 on the land-fast ice of Admiralty Inlet, Nunavut, and adjoining fjords and bays. In addition, a survey of hunting techniques and knowledge of ringed seal biology and behaviour was conducted in the community of Arctic Bay (Ikpiarjuk), Nunavut, January-February 1994. A total of 246 seal structures were found in 31 days of hunting and 34 successful kills were observed. An experienced Inuk hunter found subnivean structures by sight, by walking on drifts and by probing snowdrifts with a harpoon (unaaq). Most structures were found using subtle visual cues. Breaking through the roof of a lair was the most common hunting technique observed in this study. Pups captured in this manner were subsequently used to lure the mother back into the breathing hole where she was harpooned. Ringed seals were also hunted by a number of other methods that have been described previously in the literature. Respondents in the hunter survey indicated that the ringed seal was the most important animal used by Arctic Bay Inuit. They also reported a variety of biological findings about ringed seals including: size differences among seals in different regions of the pack ice; that adult male ringed seals (tiggak) emitted a strong, mustelid-like odour from December until late May or early June. Hunters also reported that males were occasionally caught when coming to retrieve pups. All respondents reported seeing increasing frequencies of liver abnormalities in their ringed seal catches.

Impact of climate warming on Arctic benthic biodiversity: a case study of two Arctic glacial bays

The retreat of Arctic glaciers and a resultant increase in inorganic sedimentation is one of the predicted consequences of global warming. In order to evaluate possible effects of these pro- cesses on arctic benthic biodiversity, the fauna of 2 glacial bays, which may be treated as represent- ing the expected phases of the global warming scenario, have been studied. Based on surface water temperature, type of glacier and resulting inorganic sedimentation rates, 'Tikhaia Bay' off Franz Josef Land was chosen to represent an Arctic bay before warming and 'Skoddebukta', off west Spitsber- gen, to represent a similar bay already affected by the predicted climate changes. Macrofauna was collected at 35 stations in Skoddebukta and 44 stations in Tikhaia Bay. Different methods of measur- ing faunal diversity (number of species, Shannon diversity index, k-dominance plots) were applied to data sets representing the similar habitats sampled in both bays; these showed the fauna of Tikhaia Bay to be more diverse than that in Skoddebukta. This finding is explained by the lower level of dis- turbance due to inorganic sedimentation and by better trophic conditions in the former location, both of which are linked to the level of glacial activity. This case study leads to the conclusion that one of the consequences of climate warming for Arctic ecosystems will be a decline of benthic biodiversity due to an increase in mineral sedimentation from meltwaters.

Uncertainty analysis of partition coefficients in a radionuclide transport model

Models of transport and pollutant dispersion are routinely used to define risks posed by contaminants present in aquatic environments. Modelers frequently utilize a simple parameter, known as a partition coefficient, to apportion contaminant concentrations between dissolved and particulate phases. But the inherent uncertainty in the master variables for partition coefficients (distribution coefficient (Kd); particulate matter concentration) is also a source of uncertainty in model results. We demonstrate an approach that can be used to quantify this source of uncertainty and apply it to an investigation of the transport of radionuclides away from a radioactive waste site in a shallow Arctic Bay. Our investigation considers the radionuclides, americium, plutonium, europium, ruthenium, cobalt, cesium, and strontium which exhibit a broad range of affinities for marine particles. Probability distribution functions were constructed for radionuclide distribution coefficients (Kd) and particulate matter concentrations using Beta–Pert functions. Simulations using Latin Hypercube sampling were performed on the functions of Kd and particulate matter to define probability functions of partition coefficients for each radionuclide. These distributions were used in a hydrodynamic model of Abrosimov Bay to predict ranges of radionuclide concentrations for different atmospheric forcing events. From this investigation, partition coefficients values (PCw) exhibit the highest uncertainty for radionuclides having mid-range Kd values (Kd=1–30m3/kg). When applied to model simulations of radionuclide transport, concentrations of less particle-reactive radionuclides, strontium (Kd=0.01m3/kg) and cesium (Kd=0.3m3/kg), are most sensitive to variations in wind direction and hence to water exchange rates. Whereas europium (Kd=100m3/kg), ruthenium (Kd=30m3/kg) and cobalt (Kd=1m3/kg) concentrations exhibit large variations in response to different combinations of partition coefficient values and wind events. Even high Kd radionuclides such as americium (Kd=1000m3/kg) exhibit large uncertainties in dissolved concentration when simulating low sediment concentrations for the bay. Generalizing these findings, the uncertainty in the master variables used to calculate partition coefficients is significant for all but the most soluble contaminants. The method described in this paper can be a useful tool in radionuclide transport modeling for quantifying this uncertainty.

A study of the evolution of the under‐ice water layer during summer melt phase in an Arctic bay

An acoustic ice tomography experiment which extended over a 12‐month period was conducted in the Sabine Bay area of the Canadian Archipelago. Acoustic transmitter and receiver arrays were deployed in the ice for this experiment. The vertical arrays penetrated through the ice and extended into the water column. The acoustic data collected from the transmitter/receiver pairs in the water column are analyzed to investigate the changes in the sound speed structure of the water column. Analysis of the acoustic data shows significant changes in the sound speed structure in the upper 2 m of the water column during the summer melt phase. We associate these changes in sound speed with the influx of fresh water caused by the melting of ice cover, snow, and runoff from rivers. Other features of the acoustic data suggest (1) that the fresh water remained stagnant and the ice growth during the winter months was due to the freezing of the fresh water and (2) that ice formed around the transducers as the fresh water came into contact with it. As the study presented in this paper was not one of the goals of the tomography experiment, support measurements to validate the conclusions from the acoustic data, such as measurement of temperature and salinity in the water column, were not made. However, the analysis presented is a demonstration of the usefulness of this technique to monitor the changes that take place in the region beneath the ice cover.

Shale-Facies Microfossils from the Proterozoic Bylot Supergroup, Baffin Island, Canada

Organic-walled microfossils are reported from the Borden Rift Basin of northern Baffin Island and Bylot Island. The diverse assemblage, obtained by palynological acid maceration, comprises 39 taxa and occurs in fine-grained siliciclastic and carbonate units from all but the two lowermost formations of the Bylot Supergroup; their age is bracketed between 1,270 and 750 Ma. Of 307 samples analyzed from all parts of the basin, 133 yielded identifiable remains. The microbiota comprises the following taxa:Siphonophycus septatum, S. robustum, S. rugosumn. comb.,S. kestron, S. capitaneum, Pellicularia tenera, Polythrichoides lineatus, Obruchevella valdaica, Karamia? sp., opaque filaments,Oscillatoriopsisspp.,Palaeolyngbyasp.,Arctacellularia tetragonalan. comb.,A. ellipsoidea, Chlorogloeaopsis contextan. comb.,C. kanshiensisn. comb.,Navifusa bacillarisn. comb.,N. majensis, N. actinomorphan. comb.,Leiosphaeridia minutissima, L. tenuissima, L. crassa, L. jacutica, L. ternata, Lophosphaeridium granulatum, Valeria lophostriata, Pterospermopsimorpha insolita, Eomicrocystis elegans, E. malgica, Symplassosphaeridiumspp.,Synsphaeridiumspp.,Satka squamifera, Satkaspp.,Coneosphaera arctican. sp.,Coneosphaerasp.,Spumosina rubiginosa, andFabiformis baffinensisn. sp. The taxonPalaeocalothrix divaricatus, present in some macerates, is possibly a modern fungal contaminant. Abundance and taxonomic diversity varies considerably between formations and environments, with the Arctic Bay Formation exhibiting the greatest productivity and species diversity of the seven formations studied, and the transgressive muddy shelf deposits being the most productive of the 11 environments recognized. This microfossil assemblage of predominantly planktonic species has distinctive taxa in common with Middle to Late Riphean sequences in Siberia (Lakhanda and Miroedikha Groups, ca. 950 to 850 Ma), the lower part of the Thule Group (&lt; 1,270 Ma) in northwest Greenland, the Fury and Hecla Group in western Baffin Island, and taxa reported from the upper part of the Bushimay Supergroup in Zaire. On the other hand, some elements in the Bylot Supergroup are more characteristic of Vendian beds on the Russian Platform, indicating longer stratigraphic ranges for such taxa than previously thought. The compositional similarity between the Borden Basin and Siberian sequences supports palinspastic reconstructions juxtaposing Siberia and Laurentia during the middle to late Proterozoic, and the opening of the Poseidon Ocean.

Multistage dolomitization in the Society Cliffs Formation, northern Baffin Island, Northwest Territories, Canada

Dolostones of the Upper Proterozoic Society Cliffs Formation on northern Baffin Island are host to the Nanisivik lead–zinc sulfide deposits. Two distinct stages of dolomitization have occurred, distinguished by their petrographic, cathodoluminescence, and isotopic characteristics: (1) massive dolomitization of precursor carbonates, and (2) late-stage cementation. Sabkha facies of the lower member of the formation and laminated algal stromatolitic to massive dolostones of the upper member are isotopically similar: δ18O ranges from −1.5 to −6.5‰; δ13C from +1.7 to +3.1‰ PDB; and 87Sr/86Sr averages 0.70761. Petrographic and geochemical evidence indicates that these dolostones formed chiefly by seawater thermal convection beneath shale of the overlying Victor Bay Formation, although mixing of meteoric and marine water also could have occurred. Later fracture-filling dolomitic cements have consistently lower δ18O, but δ13C is similar to that in the host dolostones. Microtraverses of single fractures filled with dolomitic cements show progressive δ18O depletion through time; the last (innermost) generation is correlated with sparry gangue in the ore deposits and also has lower δ13C with respect to the Society Cliffs dolostones, due to mixing of bicarbonate produced from sulfate reduction. The cement was precipitated from warmer fluids, with partial replacement of earlier dolomite. Dolomitizing fluids responsible for later fracture and vug-filling cements may have been released by compaction of the underlying Arctic Bay shales, which also appears to have been the source of the base metals.

Correlated strontium, carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonate gangue at the Nanisivik zinc-lead deposits, northern Baffin Island, N.W.T. Canada

We have analysed the Sr and C isotopic composition of samples of white sparry dolomite (WSD) interbanded with sulfides, vug-filling dolomite and calcite, and host dolostones associated with lead-zinc mineralization at Nanisivik, N.W.T. Canada. Ore stage WSD and late stage carbonates are considerably more radiogenic in 87Sr and depleted in 13C and 180 than dolomite of the host rocks. Within single WSD bands there is a negative linear correlation between 87Sr/ 86Sr and δ 13C and a positive correlation between 87Sr/ 86Sr and δ 180. The ore-forming fluids varied considerably in isotopic composition during sulfide precipitation as a result of mixing between exogenous radiogenic 87Sr and Sr from the host-rock dolostones, as well as mixing between bicarbonate from in situ oxidation of hydrocarbon, with carbonate from the host rock. High 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios in the ore fluid was probably the result of the interaction and equilibration with underlying metalliferous Arctic Bay formation and possibly basement rocks during migration to the site of ore deposition. The post-ore carbonates show a weak positive correlation between 87Sr/ 86Sr and δ 13C and apparently formed by remobilization of gangue and host-rock carbonate.

Seasonal and interannual fluctuations in ice exchange between the Arctic Basin and the Straits of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago

Abstract Direct sea ice exchange between the Arctic Basin and Baffin Bay occurs only via Nares Strait. Ice from the Arctic Basin entering Sverdrup Basin and Parry Channel does not penetrate east of 90–95° W, i.e., it remains within the approaches to the western limits of Lancaster and Jones sounds. The seasonal progress of ice discharge within the straits of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) is very clearly marked, but no definite trends are revealed in the interannual variations. The total annual discharges of ice from the Arctic Basin into the straits of the CAA comprise only 10–15% of the discharge through Fram Strait. But in the summer months the two are quite comparable. This emphasizes the need to take into account the ice exchange between the Arctic Basin and the straits of the CAA in investigating their hydrometeorological regime.

Stable isotopic composition of the hydrothermal fluids responsible for the Nanisivik Zn [sbnd]Pb deposits, Northwest Territories, Canada

Direct measurements of ° 18O and δD of water in inclusion fluids in sulfide and carbonate gangue minerals from the Nanisivik deposit are used to place constraints on the origin of the fluids responsible for hydrothermal mineralization. Values of δD of inclusion fluids in sphalerite and dolomite are near −50%, whereas those of inclusion fluids in two galena samples are much lower at −72 ± 3‰; δ 18O of inclusion fluids in sphalerite are −2.5 ± 3‰; dolomite inclusions are 2‰ lighter, perhaps due to post-trapping exchange with host dolomite. Dolomite-water fractionations calculated from the inclusion data are consistent with other estimates of temperature of deposition (70°C to 250°C). Previous isotopic studies by the same authors have shown that S in the ore was derived from coeval sea water SO 4. However, water in the hydrothermal fluid cannot have been trapped, unaltered sea water (either fresh or evaporated), nor coeval meteoric water (which would have resembled sea water), ultrafiltered sea water, or meteoric water. Values of δ 18O and δD of inclusions can best be explained by a scenario which includes: 1. infiltration or entrapment of either sea water, or meteoric water that has redissolved evaporitic SO 4; 2. exchange of the water with shales of the Arctic Bay Formation to lower δD, with subsequent leaching of the metals; and 3. further H isotope exchange with fluid or solid organic matter prior to entrapment.

Climatic evolution of the eastern Canadian Arctic and Baffin Bay during the past three million years

The outer east coast of Baffin Island is characterized by a series of sedimentary forelands. These contain a variety of litho- and biofacies associated with glacial marine and marine deposition into sea levels higher than those of the present. These high relative sea levels were associated with glacial isostatic loading and unloading of the crust by the NE sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. On the basis of amino acid epimerization ratios, eleven chronologically distinct units are delimited. The youngest unit is less than or equal to 10 ka, but all others are at or beyond the limits of radiocarbon dating. Based on biostratigraphy and amino acid data, the oldest units exposed in the forelands may be Pliocene in age. Molluscs, Foraminifera, and the palynology of buried soils and organics, indicate that the vast bulk of the exposed sequences contain floras and faunas that represent environments warmer than those at present. An analysis of modern and fossil pollen spectra suggests a steady decrease in low arctic conditions throughout the Quaternary.

Factors Influencing Kamik Production in Arctic Bay, Northwest Territories, by Jill E. Oakes

Factors Influencing Kamik Production in Arctic Bay, Northwest Territories, by Jill E. Oakes

Meteorological Operations at Cape Hatt in Support of the Baffin Island Oil Spill Project

Climatological records for Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay indicate that the climate of the northern Baffin Island area lies between the cold, dry climate of the central Arctic and the slightly milder and moister climates of the western Beaufort Sea and the southeastern Baffin Island and Hudson Strait areas. A weather station was set up at Cape Hatt in late May 1980 to provide climatological data at the site of the Baffin Island Oil Spill Project. Daily precipitation and temperatures, hourly winds, rate of rainfall and hourly global solar radiation were measured. The station operated from late May to late June and from mid-July to the end of September in 1980 and from mid-July to the end of September in 1980 and from mid-July to early September in 1981. Temperature and precipitation data from the station were compared with those from Pond Inlet for the identical periods. Six outlying stations measured winds at representative locations in the area. Hour by hour comparisons were made of the winds at five shoreline stations with those at the camp station and those on a nearby mountain. These were used as one of the tools in forecasting winds for the oil releases. The weather forecasting system utilized one meteorologist at the site using weather charts and briefings from the Atmospheric Environment Service Arctic Weather Centre at Edmonton. The forecasts provided met all requirements for timing and accuracy.Key words: climatological, Baffin Island, weather station, precipitation, temperature, winds, radiation, forecasting