I9I5- No. 2. SPITSBERGEN WATERS. 77 



Figs. 65 to 69 for the surface, and depths of 20. 50, and 100 metres, by 

 introducing the above values at each station, and drawing the probable 

 isopycnals for every 0.05 of a t - These charts give the probable circulation 

 of the water at the mentioned depths according to the densities computed 

 from the observations of temperature and salinity. The direction of the 

 isopycnals should at each place give approximately the direction of the cur- 

 rent, and its velocity is inversely proportional to the distances between 

 the isopycnals. 



In the chart of the Surface a distance between the isopycnals of 

 i mm. corresponds to a velocity of 26 cm. der second (hence a distance 

 between them of, for istance, 3 mm. would correspond to a velocity of 

 26:3 = 8.7 cm. per second, and a distance of 4 mm. to 26:4^ 6.5 cm, per 

 second, etc.). In the same manner a distance of i mm. between the iso- 

 pycnals corresponds to the following velocities in 



the chart for 20 metres : 23.2 cm. per second 

 50 : 20. 2 



100 : 13 



The arrows drawn in the charts give the direction and velocity of the 

 currents at different places. The length of the arrows give the velocity 

 i mm. = i cm. per second. 



On the whole the currents given by these charts at the different depths 

 agree fairly well with the results of our current-measurements at Stats. 20 

 and 41, especially at the latter station. It is noticed that while the sur- 

 face current runs towards the north-east near the Spitsbergen coast, it runs 

 approximately in the opposite direction farther seawards, near the ice- 

 edge, and more westerly at our Stats. 40 and 41, than at our Stats. 20 

 and 19, which is in full accordance with our current-measurements. 



It is also interesting to notice how the currents at 20, 50, and 100 

 metres seem to follow approximately the slope of the bottom, as indicated 

 by the bathymetrical curve for 200 metres (the dotted line). This curve 

 is, however, only a rough estimation, as there are much too few and too 

 uncertain soundings in this region. 



The remarkable bend of the current north-west of Hinlopen Strait is 

 noteworthy. It seems as if the current follows the slope of the shelf, north 

 of Spitsbergen, towards the mouth of Hinlopen Strait* but here it is forced 

 towards the north by the bank north-west of North East Land, with depths 

 of between 15 and 30 metres only, and the current must follow the edge 

 of this bank. This is obviously the reason why, especially in this region, , 

 there was much open water extending north-wards, and why we there came 

 farthest north. 



