The advantage of the described method is the fact that it is possible to use the maximum 

 quantity of existing data for the solution of the problem; the disadvantage is the difficulty of deter- 

 mining in a number of cases the directions of currents when they are subject to considerable 

 eddying. 



In order to eliminate a number of the defects enumerated, the authors used the "dynamic" 

 method when analysing the data from the hydrological observations of the Polar Institute . The 

 "dynamic" method has been repeatedly used (Berezkin, Timofeev and others) for the Norwegian and 

 Greenland Seas and has given fairly good results. Its use for these deep seas, Avith their more or 

 less fixed system of currents, has been thoroug^y proved. None of the other indirect methods 

 can replace the "dynamic" method if the problem confronting the authors is taken into consideration. 



An analysis of observations for certain areas over a period of several years enabled us to 

 conclude that certain currents and eddies are stable. The most stable currents and eddies were 

 found to be those conditioned by irregularities of the sea bed. 





^\ 



Jl\ 



♦— 





'//, 





^^ 



^ 



■;^. 



•N".. 



^^k%f^ 



^T 



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/ 



■:N>N 



»• 



<r^* 



/' 



L:r\ 



Figure 2. Nansen and Helland-Hansen's current chart of the Norwegian and Greenland Seas. 



The following are the main features of Nansen and Helland-Hansen's chart: the Norwegian 

 (Atlantic) current flows in a strong stream between the Faroes and Shetlands in a northerly direc- 

 tion and then along the Norwegian coast and the continental slope . In the centre of the Norwegian 

 Sea, this current forms a vast cyclonic eddy, which is joined in the west and south-west by the 

 cold East Icelandic current. A second huge cyclonic eddy occurs in the centre of the Greenland Sea. 



71 



