Elements of the coastline of the white sea. The meaning of the white sea. Hydrological and climatic indicators
Among the seas washing Russia, the White Sea is one of the smallest (only the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov is smaller). Its surface area is 90 thousand square meters. km, that is, one sixteenth of the area of the Barents Sea, the volume is only 8000 cubic meters. km. The greatest depth of the sea is 330 m, and the average is 67 m. The line drawn from Cape Svyatoy Nos (Kola Peninsula) to Cape Kanin Nos (Kanin Peninsula) is considered the boundary between the White and Barents Seas.
In winter, the sea usually freezes over. The salinity of the water is from 15 to 28 ppm. The tides are semi-diurnal, rather high - the average height of spring tides varies from 0.6 m (Zimnyaya Zolotitsa) to 7.7 m (Mezen Bay, the mouth of the Semzha River).
The rivers Northern Dvina, Onega, Mezen and many others flow into the White Sea.
Main ports: Arkhangelsk, Severodvinsk, Onega, Belomorsk, Kandalaksha, Kem, Mezen.
The White Sea-Baltic Canal connects the White Sea with the Baltic Sea and with the Volga-Baltic Waterway.
The entire White Sea is considered entirely inland waters of Russia.
The water area of the White Sea is divided into several parts: Basin, Throat, Funnel, Onega Bay, Dvinskaya Bay, Mezenskaya Bay, Kandalaksha Bay. The shores of the White Sea have their own names and are traditionally divided (in order of enumeration counterclockwise from the coast of the Kola Peninsula) into Tersky, Kandalaksha, Karelsky, Pomorsky, Onega, Summer, Winter, Mezensky and Kaninsky; sometimes the Mezensky coast is divided into the Abramovskiy and Konushinsky coasts, and part of the Onega coast is called the Lyamets coast.
The White Sea is a shelf sea, the modern basin of which is a marginal continental depression that arose on the slope of the crystalline Baltic Shield. The bottom of the sea has a strongly dissected relief. In the northwestern part, there is the Kandalaksha depression with sharply defined sides, apparently of fault origin; south of it is a hill - the base of the Solovetsky Islands. There are many small underwater hills ("lud") in the Onega Bay. In Gorla and Voronka, as well as in the Mezen Bay, underwater sandy ridges created by tidal currents are characteristic. The bottom sediments of the main part of the sea and the Dvina Bay are represented by silt and sandy silt; in the Kandalaksha and Onega bays and in the northern part of the sea, sandy and rocky soils predominate. Often (especially near the coast) glacial deposits are exposed at the bottom. Like the Baltic Sea, with which the White Sea is historically closely connected, during the last ice age the White Sea basin was filled with ice. Only in the Anthropogenic period (Yoldian time), when the edge of the glacier receded to the northwest, the basin was flooded with sea waters.
The fauna of the White Sea is represented by relics of the cold Yoldian (Arctic forms) and warm Littorina (boreal forms) periods. The benthic fauna includes 720 species, the ichthyofauna - more than 60 species, the fauna of marine mammals - 5 species (not counting the occasional ones).
Which in different centuries was called Studeny, Severny, Solovetsky and Calm, belongs to the water area of the Arctic Ocean of the European part of Russia. In ancient times, the Vikings called it Gandvik, which means "Bay of Serpents" in translation.
Discovery history
The basin of the sea was known from the maps of the 11th century. At that time, for Novgorodians it was of great importance in terms of navigating trade routes. The fact is that many fur-bearing animals lived in the surrounding forests. Soon, villages of hunters began to appear on the coast, who immediately sold the skin and meat of their prey to merchants who sailed from afar. In the early 1490s, on the orders of Tsar Ivan III, a whole merchant fleet and an international port were built. Most of the ships went to the coast of Denmark and back.
Soon English and Dutch ships began to ply the White Sea. These were both merchant ships and expeditionary ones. One of them was the ship "Edward Bonaventure" under the patronage of the King of Britain. In the mid-1550s, close trade relations began between Moscow and London. A few years later, the White Sea became one of the main market centers of Russia. The Dutch, British and Danes regularly made long voyages to the shores of a new settlement called Kholmogory. Later this city was renamed Arkhangelsk.
While foreign merchants were bribed by cheap furs, scientists and researchers are interested in the extremely low salinity of the White Sea. Nevertheless, frequent expeditions for most of the year were complicated by heavy ice drift.
Description of the water area
The average depth of the White Sea varies from 50 to 200 meters. Shallow water is observed in the Onega and Dvina bays in the northern region of the basin. The deepest point is 340 meters. It is noteworthy that the White Sea has the smallest area among the basins washing Russia. The territory it covers is limited to only 90,000 sq. km. At the same time, there are many medium-sized islands in the water area, for example, the Solovetsky Islands.
The largest rivers flowing into the White Sea are the Mezen, Ponoi, Kemyu, Onega and Northern Dvina. The boundary of the water area is the dividing line and the Kola. The main ports are Belomorsk, Arkhangelsk, Kem, Onega, Kandalaksha, Mezen and Severodvinsk. The Bay of Serpents belongs to the territorial waters of Russia.
The basin is represented by the Gorlo Strait, Onega and Dvina Bays,
Each part of the coast has its own name: Tersky, Karelsky, Summer, Kaninsky, Zimny, Abramovsky, Lyamitsky, Konushinsky and other areas.
Temperature and salinity of the pool
The water in the White Sea is always cold, so it is not recommended to swim in it without special training and equipment. The temperature on the surface varies from -1 to +14 degrees.
The White Sea in winter is mostly covered with a thick layer of ice. An increase in water temperature is observed only from May to August. In summer, the indicators in the central part of the basin rise to +16 degrees. At a depth of 50 meters, the temperature is kept around zero.
The salinity of the White Sea is associated with a specific hydrological regime. Due to the large inflow of river and groundwater and the minimum level of exchange with the water area of the Barents Bay, the indicators of desalination in the basin are significantly exceeded. Thus, the salinity of the White Sea is about 26 ppm. In some places, this figure does not exceed 18 ppm. At a depth of 100 meters, the salinity of the White Sea reaches 31 ppm. The reason for stagnation and desalination of water by experts is also called the annular flow of the pool.
Hydrological and climatic indicators
The tides of the White Sea are directly affected by the rise in the water level in the Barents Basin, which has a semidiurnal character. The most noticeable inflow to the Semzha and There the water level rises to 7 meters. The average tide in the White Sea varies from 0.6 to 3 m.
There are frequent storms in the basin. In autumn, the wave height can reach 6 meters. At different times of the year, there are east and south-west winds over the sea, but north winds with strong gusts are most often observed. The value of surge phenomena in autumn reaches a value of 1 meter.
Most of the year the sea is covered with ice. Melting occurs from May to June, and only at the end of July and in August, the water temperature allows you to quickly swim or quietly ride a boat. Nevertheless, even in summer, floating ice up to 40 cm thick remains in the northern part of the water area.
Basin resources
What attracts the White Sea from an industrial point of view? Resources are primarily represented by such minerals as sand, gravel, shell rock and pebbles. Relatively recently, geologists discovered valuable ferromanganese nodules at the bottom of the sea.
The White Sea is the only one of the seas that lies almost entirely south of the Arctic Circle. Difficult in terms of coastline outlines, the White Sea is deeply cut into the continent. It has natural land borders, and only a conditional border separates it from the Barents Sea - the line Cape Svyatoy Nos on - Cape Kanin Nos on the Kanin Peninsula.
The White Sea belongs to the inland seas. Its area is 90.1 thousand km2, volume - 6 thousand km2, average depth - 67 m, maximum depth - 351 m.
Different in external forms and landscapes, the shores of the White Sea have local names - Summer Coast, Winter Coast, Tersky Coast, etc. and belong to different geomorphological types.
According to the shape of the coastline and the nature of the bottom, seven regions are distinguished in the sea: Funnel, Throat, Basin and bays: Kandalaksha, Mezenskaya Bay, Dvinskaya Bay, Onega Bay.
The deepest areas of the sea are the Basin and the Kandalaksha Bay. The depths gradually decrease from the Basin (about 200 m deep) to the top of the Dvinskaya Bay. The bottom of the shallow bay of Onega Bay is somewhat elevated above the bowl of the Basin. The bottom of the Throat of the sea is an underwater one with a depth of 50 to 100 m, stretched along the strait somewhat closer to the Tersky coast.
The northern part of the sea is the most shallow. The bottom here is very uneven (especially near the Kaninsky coast), the depths do not exceed 50 m.
The climate of the White Sea is transitional from oceanic to continental. Winter is long and severe. Summers are cool and moderately humid.
In the White Sea, for almost the entire year, there is no long-term stable weather, and the seasonal change in the prevailing winds is monsoonal in nature.
The structure of the White Sea waters is formed mainly under the influence of continental desalination and water exchange with , as well as tidal mixing (especially in Gorlo and Mezen Bay) and winter vertical circulation. The Barents Sea waters stand out here (in their pure form only in the Voronka), desalinated waters of the tops of the bays, waters of the upper layers of the Basin, deep waters of the Basin, and Gorla waters.
The distribution at the surface and at depth is characterized by great diversity and significant seasonal variability.
The presence of a warm intermediate layer is a characteristic feature of the White Sea.
The rivers flowing into the White Sea annually bring about 215 km3 of fresh water. More than 3/4 of the total flow falls on rivers flowing into bays: Onega Bay, Dvinskaya Bay, Mezenskaya Bay. In high-water years, the rivers: the Northern Dvina contributes about 170 km3, the Mezen - 38 km3, the Onega - 27 km3 of water per year. The Kem and Vyg rivers flowing on the western coast of the sea provide 12 km3 and 11 km3 of water per year, respectively. Other rivers provide only 9% of the flow.
Large rivers release 60–70% of their water in spring. The runoff maximum is observed in spring and amounts to 40% of the annual runoff. For the sea as a whole, the maximum flow occurs in May, the minimum - in February - March. During the year, more than 2/3 of the entire mass of deep (below 50 m) White Sea water is renewed.
The horizontal circulation of the White Sea waters is formed under the influence of wind, tides and compensatory flows. The resulting movement of the waters of the White Sea occurs against, which is characteristic of the seas of the northern hemisphere.
The velocities of surface currents are low and usually equal to 10–15 cm/s; in narrow places and near capes they reach 30–40 cm/s. Currents have much higher speeds in some areas. They reach 250 cm/s in Gorlo and Mezen Bay, 30–35 cm/s in Kandalaksha Bay and 80–100 cm/s in Onega Bay.
The level of the White Sea experiences non-periodic surge changes. The greatest surges are observed in the autumn-winter season at the northwestern and northeastern. The level rise can reach 75–90 cm. The strongest surges are observed in winter and spring with southwestern winds. The level at this time drops to 50–75 cm.
Every winter the White Sea is covered with ice, and in spring it completely disappears, so the sea belongs to the seas with seasonal ice cover. The White Sea ice is 90% floating ice. A very significant feature of the ice regime of the White Sea is the constant removal of ice into the Barents Sea. Floating ice has a thickness of 35–40 cm, but in severe winters it can reach 135 cm, even 150 cm. Fast ice in the White Sea occupies a very small area. Its width does not exceed 1 km.
It is located on the northern outskirts of the western part of Russia. This sea belongs to the group of seas of the Arctic Ocean. Unlike all other seas, the White Sea is located south of the Arctic Circle, only a small northern part goes beyond this circle. The White Sea is deeply cut into the mainland. On almost all sides, the sea has natural boundaries. Only from it is it separated by a conditional line passing from Cape Svyatoy Nos to the nose. The White Sea is almost everywhere surrounded by land, so it belongs to the group of inland seas.
The White Sea is one of the smallest seas in our country. It covers an area of about 90 thousand km2. The volume of its waters is 6 thousand km 3. The average depth of the sea is 67 m, the maximum depth is 350 m.
The bottom of the sea is complex. The deepest parts of the sea are the Basin and the Kandalaksha Bay. The greatest depth was recorded in the outer zone of this bay. A gradual decrease in depth is observed from the mouth to the top of the Dvina Bay. The bottom of the bay is somewhat higher compared to the bowl of the Basin. At the bottom of the throat of the sea there is an underwater one, the depth of which reaches about 50 m. It extends along the strait a little closer to the Tersky coast. The most shallow areas are located in the northern part of the sea. Here the depth does not exceed 50 m. The bottom in the north of the sea is uneven. At the Kaninsky coast and the entrance to the Mezen Bay, the bottom is covered with a large number of cans. They are located in ridges, which are called "Northern cats".
Due to the fact that in the northern part of the sea and in the Gorlo region the sea depth is less than in the Basin, water exchange with deep waters is very difficult. This feature of the White Sea is reflected in its natural and climatic conditions. The sea is characterized by features of both maritime and continental climates. This is due to the peculiarities of the situation: part of the sea is located in the north, and part is beyond the Arctic Circle. Also, the White Sea is influenced by its belonging to the water basin, proximity, almost complete encirclement by land. The influence of the ocean and land is manifested throughout the year.
Winter on the White Sea is long and cold. At this time, the entire northern European part of Russia is in the zone, and the zone is observed over the Barents Sea. All this leads to a predominantly southwestern direction. The average wind speed is about 4 - 8 m/s. These winds contribute to the establishment of overcast with low temperatures and heavy snowfalls.
In February, the average over the expanses of the White Sea is - 14 - 15 ° С. The exception is the northern part, where the temperature is slightly higher: -9°С. The increase in temperature in the north of the sea is associated with the influence of warm Atlantic. If a large amount of relatively warm air comes in, then the wind acquires a south-westerly direction, and increases to - 6 - 7 ° С. If the White Sea falls under the influence of the Arctic anticyclone, the winds acquire a northeasterly direction. The weather becomes clear, and the air temperature drops to -24 - 26°C (sometimes there is a stronger cooling).
In summer, the weather over the White Sea is mostly cool, with moderate. During this period, the Barents Sea is under the influence of the anticyclone. A zone of cyclones is formed to the south and southeast of the White Sea. In connection with such synoptic conditions, northeast winds are observed above, the strength of which reaches up to 2 - 3 points. Cloudy weather prevails, with frequent heavy rains. The average air temperature in July is + 8 - 10°C. Cyclones in the Barents Sea contribute to a change in the direction of the wind over the White Sea. The northeast wind is replaced by the southwest, while the air temperature rises to + 12 - 13°С. When an anticyclone dominates in the northeastern part, southeastern winds are observed over the sea. The weather at this time is mostly clear and sunny. The average air temperature rises to +17 - 19°C. Sometimes in the southern regions of the sea the air warms up to + 30°С. But for most of the summer over the White Sea, cloudy weather with low temperatures persists. Thus, during the year the weather over the White Sea is constantly changing.
Algae of the White Sea
A fairly large amount of fresh water enters the White Sea. As a result, the water level rises, and excess water flows through the Gorlo into the Barents Sea. Southwest winds favorably influence this water exchange. Due to the fact that the density of the waters of the White and Barents Seas is different, a current is formed directed from the Barents Sea. Thus, an exchange is carried out between the two Arctic seas. In the White Sea, the tides are well pronounced. , directed from the Barents Sea, moves along the axis of the Funnel to the top of the Mezen Bay. This wave in the Throat causes it to propagate into the Basin. There they are reflected from the Summer and Karelian coasts. As a result of the complex interaction of reflected and incident waves, a standing wave arises. It provides tides in the Throat and the White Sea Basin.
The tidal wave reaches its greatest strength in the Mezensky Bay, near the Kanisky coast, Voronka and near Sosnowiec Island. The tidal wave moves over huge stretches up. At high tide, it exerts its influence at a distance of up to 120 km from the mouth. When a tidal wave propagates, a change in the water level in the river is observed. First, the water level rises, then abruptly stops and starts to rise again. Such changes are called "colossus".
Morning. White Sea (photo by Marina Bakanova)
Unrest is very often observed in the White Sea. Their number increases by October - November in the northern part and the Throat of the sea. During this period, disturbances were noted, the strength of which reaches 4 - 5 points. The small area of the sea prevents the formation of large waves. Most often, the wave height is 1 m. Very rarely, waves of 3 meters in height rise, as an exception, there are waves of 5 m. In July - August, the sea is most calm. During this period, excitement reaches 1 - 3 points.
In the White Sea, fishing, fishing for sea animals and the extraction of algae are widely developed. Mostly in the waters of this sea, navaga, White Sea herring, smelt, cod and salmon are mined. Among marine animals, seals, ringed seals and beluga whales are hunted. The White Sea is of great importance, since various cargoes, mainly timber, are transported through its waters. In addition, passenger transportation, fish products, and chemical cargoes are developed here.
The location of the White Sea is the northern outskirts of the west of Russia. The border of the White and Barents Seas is determined by a line conventionally drawn from Cape Svyatoy Nos (on the Kola Peninsula) to Kanin Nos (Kanin Peninsula). Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, an almost continuous ring of land around affects the marine and continental features of the local climate, which is defined as transitional from continental to oceanic. The location of the White Sea is reflected in its features in all seasons. Winter here is long, harsh, frosty. Summer is moderately humid and cool.
The bottom relief is complex and uneven. The deepest water areas are the Kandalaksha Bay (maximum depth in the outer part) and the Basin. Most of the shallow water in the northern part. The unequal salinity is associated with a large difference in the temperature indicators of the water column and on its surface, depending on the place and season.
The coast of the vast bay of the Arctic Ocean was inhabited by people almost immediately after the end of the ice age. Here lived the ancestors of the modern Saami, Karelian tribes, Novgorod settlers (they gave the name to the banks - Karelian, Pomeranian, Summer, Winter). The sea itself in its history had the names Studenoe, Calm, Northern, Solovetsky, White Bay, the Scandinavians called Gandvik, today it is entirely and completely inland waters of Russia.
The geographical location of the White Sea, internal features characterize it as:
- One of the coldest Arctic seas. This is a consequence of being in high latitudes, as well as internal hydrological processes.
- One of the smallest in Russia. The area is about 90 thousand square kilometers, and the volume of water is 6000 cubic meters. Average depth - 67 meters, maximum - 350 meters.
- It is stormy in nature, which contradicts the ancient name "Calm".
The economic use of the water area is associated with its biological resources (diverse organic wealth) and the operation of water and sea transport. Various types of fish, marine animals, algae are mined here. The use of tidal energy is promising, it is planned to build a TPP (in the Mezen Bay). A significant volume of cargo transportation, sea tourism services are the directions of modern use of the water area.
Four millennia of people's stay in these parts left the most valuable cultural monuments - the Solovetsky Monastery, petroglyphs, not fully studied rock paintings, seids of the Kuzov archipelago and much more.
The small, but complex, incredibly diverse White Sea has not yet been fully explored, and many diverse problems remain for research. The most important task of the time is the expansion of research to address issues of preventing pollution of the water area.