Benthonic Algae — SCAGEL 
515 
land inlets and Johnstone Strait, and exhibits 
physical and chemical properties quite distinct 
from the latter (Figs. 3, 4). 
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 
Hydrographic Conditions in 
Queen Charlotte Strait 
The salinity distribution near the surface 
(Figs. 7-10) in Queen Charlotte Strait suggests 
a general circulation in a counter-clockwise fash- 
ion. The runoff from the mainland inlets along 
the north shore and at the east end of the Strait, 
particularly from Knight Inlet at the east end, 
contributes large volumes of fresh water which 
tends to move seaward at the surface, mixing as 
it progresses along the north shore into Queen 
Charlotte Sound with the deeper more saline 
water below. The more saline water from the 
open ocean and Queen Charlotte Sound moves 
into the Strait centrally as well as along the Van- 
couver I. side of the Strait and along the north 
side of Malcolm I. The intrusion of high salin- 
ity water along the deep channels in the central 
part of the Strait is also apparent. This general 
pattern of salinity distribution, with fluctuations 
to varying degrees near the surface, is pro- 
nounced in the upper zone to a depth of at 
least 20 m. (Figs. 7-10). 
Although strong winds may assist in the 
movement of water near the surface there is 
clear evidence at times of the movement of 
water against the wind and there are strong 
tidal currents throughout the region. The cur- 
MONTHS 
Fig. 26. Monthly air temperatures at Bull Harbour, B. C, for 1953. 
