BarentsPortal

In winter 2007/2008, a low-pressure trough related to the Icelandic Low dominated the northern North Atlantic, the Nordic Seas and stretched deep into the Barents Sea (Figure 4.2.1). Large negative air pressure anomalies (-4 - -5 mb) were spread over the Norwegian and northern Barents Seas. The southern part of the Barents Sea were dominated by a bit smaller negative anomalies (-3 - -4 mb). Such an air pressure pattern would have strengthened the southwesterly winds and increased transport of warm air and water in the southern Barents Sea. Relatively strong southwesterly winds prevailed over the southern part of the sea, while light easterlies dominated the northern Barents Sea. In summer 2008, a low-pressure trough stretched over terrestrial area from the western Siberia to Scandinavia and further into the North Atlantic with maximum negative air pressure anomaly (-4 - -5 mb) centered over the British Isles. Horizontal air pressure contrasts were considerably smaller than in winter, and weak easterly and northeasterly winds prevailed over the eastern Barents Sea (Figure 4.2.1). Stronger northerly winds dominated the Barents Sea Opening and Bear Island – Svalbard area.