Satellite Data Trace Seasonal Freshwater Dispersion in Hudson and James Bays.

Basu, Atreya, Bélanger, Simon, Kuzyk, Zou Zou A., Singh, Rakesh K., Mukherjee, Soham, Larouche, Pierre, Guzzi, Alessia C., Ausen, Emma L., McCullough, Greg et Ehn, Jens K. (2026). Satellite Data Trace Seasonal Freshwater Dispersion in Hudson and James Bays. Geophysical Research Letters, 53 (2).

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Résumé

Freshwater dispersal controls stratification, circulation, and biogeochemical processes in Hudson and James Bay (HJB); however, limited field observations hinder understanding of how different freshwater types drive change. This study uses Aqua-Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity-Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis data to distinguish and map river water (RW) and sea ice melt (SIM), the main freshwater types in HJB. Satellite-derived RW and SIM agree with in situ tracers, filling field data gaps that support future freshwater research. Higher RW fractions up to 0.40 in southern HJB and a seasonal SIM decline from 0.35 to 0.00 in central HJB match observed patterns. RW spreads offshore in July, contracts in August, and forms a coastal band in September, sustained by cyclonic winds despite reduced discharge. From 2011 to 2019, RW fractions increased (0.0048 yr−1) while SIM fractions declined (−0.003 yr−1) across HJB.

Type de document :	Article
Validation par les pairs :	Oui
Mots-clés :	River water ; Sea ice melt ; Sea surface salinity ; CDOM ; Satellite remote sensing ; Hudson and James Bays / Eau de rivière ; Fonte de la glace de mer ; Salinité de surface de la mer ; CDOM ; Télédétection par satellite ; Baies d'Hudson et James.
Départements et unités départementales :	Département de biologie, chimie et géographie
Date de dépôt :	14 oct. 2026 16:18
Dernière modification :	14 oct. 2026 16:18
URI :	https://semaphore.uqar.ca/id/eprint/3689