Characterization of the near-bottom temperature, salinity, and sound speed scape in the Salish Sea 2020-2025 / by Robyn Taves, Rianna Burnham, Svein Vagle.: Fs97-6/3809E-PDF

"Sound speed measurements were made at ten locations in the Salish Sea. These sites were located along the west coast of Vancouver Island at Swiftsure Bank, and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, Swanson Channel, and the Strait of Georgia. The sound speed was determined using RBR Concerto3 CTDs, utilizing sampled temperature, salinity, and pressure. All CTD measurements were taken within 1 meter of the ocean floor. The data analysis used monthly and seasonal averages from 2020 to 2025 to determine local and regional patterns. At Swiftsure Bank and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, seasonal highs and lows occurred in winter and summer, respectively. Sound speeds were higher at Swiftsure Bank compared to sites in the Strait of Juan de Fuca due to having, on average, warmer near-bottom water temperatures. The locations within the Gulf Islands and more eastern locations, showed seasonal high sound speed values in the fall and lows in the spring, with values demonstrating a greater range in the minimum and maximum extents than those found in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Distinct differences between the sites in the Strait of Georgia were noted, but overall, they all demonstrated similar seasonal trends to those observed in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass. Sound speed and temperature anomalies were observed through the study area in late 2023 into spring 2024. This persisted into spring 2025 in the Strait of Georgia. This resulted from an El Niño noted for the Pacific northwest during this period"--Abstract, page x.

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