Labrador StraitsNatural Environment
Early morning fog recedes from Forteau Bay (webcam image captured 6:37am, March 22, 2001)
(larger version)
Climate and Weather
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS in the Labrador Straits are strongly influenced by the cold ocean waters of the Labrador Current.
The cold Labrador Current flows southward along the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, travelling almost 35 km a day near the surface. This current brings with it huge quantities of cold water which carry icebergs southward to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, where they eventually melt.
In summer, the ocean is colder than the air arriving from the southwest. July is a relatively wet period due to the active and changeable weather patterns.
The first frosts of the fall season usually occur in late September. The winter season brings frequent storms with heavy snowfall and strong winds from the southwest. The surface of the sea freezes in January and usually remains frozen until May. Spring season is often the best time of the year, with long spells of bright sunshine and relatively warm weather.
Weather Conditions at a Glance...
For complete Labrador Straits weather information visit Stormpost.com.
The cold Labrador Current flows southward along the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, travelling almost 35 km a day near the surface. This current brings with it huge quantities of cold water which carry icebergs southward to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, where they eventually melt.
In summer, the ocean is colder than the air arriving from the southwest. July is a relatively wet period due to the active and changeable weather patterns.
The first frosts of the fall season usually occur in late September. The winter season brings frequent storms with heavy snowfall and strong winds from the southwest. The surface of the sea freezes in January and usually remains frozen until May. Spring season is often the best time of the year, with long spells of bright sunshine and relatively warm weather.
Weather Conditions at a Glance...
- Average summer temperature: 10°C (50°F) Sheltered locations climb into the high 20s (78-85°F) in August.
- Average winter temperature: -10°C (14°F) In January and February, temperatures can fall to -34°C (-29°F).
- Average annual snowfall: 415cm (13.6 ft) Often our heaviest snowfalls occurs in March. In places, snow drifts may reach five metres (16 feet) in height!
- Average annual rainfall: 530mm (21 in.) Early summer is usually the rainiest season, but it can rain any time in Labrador :-)
For complete Labrador Straits weather information visit Stormpost.com.
Geology
The geology of the Labrador Straits is unique and of interest to the amateur and professional geologist.
Structurally the area represents the exposed Eastern margin of the Canadian Shield and Lower Cambrian sedimentary formations referred to as the Labrador series.
Locally, the Labrador series consists of two distinct formations, the Bradore Formation and the Forteau Formation. Units of the Bradore Formation comprise approximately 120 metres of interbedded sandstones, pebble conglomerates, very coarse red sandstones and quartzite. These beds form a disconformity with a red-pink granitic gneiss of the Canadian Shield. Fossils are generally absent in these units; however, tube-like worm burrows may be observed.
The Forteau Formation lies conformably above the Bradore Formation and is comprised of approximately 60 metres of interbedded grey-red dolomites, dark-grey black shales, oolitic limestones and grey limestones. Of special interest is the presence of numerous fossils. The most interesting geologically are the Lower Cambrian archaeocyathid fossil reefs. These organisms, somewhat similar to sponges and corals, flourished in warm shallow Cambrian seas. Their basic shape was a deep cup or vase shape. The best exposed and most accessible of the fossil reefs are located at Fox Cove and in the cliffs below the Point Amour Lighthouse. Other interesting fossils include brachiopods, worm borrows, and several sub-species of trilobites common to the black shales.
There are numerous signs of glaciation in this region. The topography is dominated by the deep glacial valleys and the step-like terraces that form the valley walls and the sea cliffs. These features are the result of differential erosion by the ice shields and changing sea levels. The many large boulders seen scattered around the area are called "glacial erratics" and are further proof of the last glaciation.
Structurally the area represents the exposed Eastern margin of the Canadian Shield and Lower Cambrian sedimentary formations referred to as the Labrador series.
Locally, the Labrador series consists of two distinct formations, the Bradore Formation and the Forteau Formation. Units of the Bradore Formation comprise approximately 120 metres of interbedded sandstones, pebble conglomerates, very coarse red sandstones and quartzite. These beds form a disconformity with a red-pink granitic gneiss of the Canadian Shield. Fossils are generally absent in these units; however, tube-like worm burrows may be observed.
The Forteau Formation lies conformably above the Bradore Formation and is comprised of approximately 60 metres of interbedded grey-red dolomites, dark-grey black shales, oolitic limestones and grey limestones. Of special interest is the presence of numerous fossils. The most interesting geologically are the Lower Cambrian archaeocyathid fossil reefs. These organisms, somewhat similar to sponges and corals, flourished in warm shallow Cambrian seas. Their basic shape was a deep cup or vase shape. The best exposed and most accessible of the fossil reefs are located at Fox Cove and in the cliffs below the Point Amour Lighthouse. Other interesting fossils include brachiopods, worm borrows, and several sub-species of trilobites common to the black shales.
There are numerous signs of glaciation in this region. The topography is dominated by the deep glacial valleys and the step-like terraces that form the valley walls and the sea cliffs. These features are the result of differential erosion by the ice shields and changing sea levels. The many large boulders seen scattered around the area are called "glacial erratics" and are further proof of the last glaciation.
Flora
Many wildflowers which grow in the Labrador Straits are northern or alpine variants.
In sandy areas near beaches there are dwarf irises (at right), beach peas, silverweed, harebells, purple vetch, oysterleaf and a yellow sunflower-like plant called beachside senecio. By the roadsides the most evident flowers are fireweed, buttercups, yarrow and cow parsnip.
Less common plants such as white fireweed, purple saxifrage, moss campion and willow herb may be found in some locations. On the barrens, Labrador tea, bog laurel, crackerberries, crowberries, blueberries and partridgeberries (also known as redberries or lingonberries) abound.
The Labrador Straits is famous for its bakeapples, which grow in abundance in the bogs and wetter areas of the barrens. Bakeapples are red when they're "green" and ripen to a rich, sunset-orange colour. Partridgeberries are plentiful on some of the dry barrenground areas. Rarer but very sweet and flavourful are wild strawberries and stemless arctic raspberries or "plumboys". These don't grow in abundance, but a handful or two make a delicious snack while on a hike.
Local berries may be sampled in desserts and jams at our restaurants.
In sandy areas near beaches there are dwarf irises (at right), beach peas, silverweed, harebells, purple vetch, oysterleaf and a yellow sunflower-like plant called beachside senecio. By the roadsides the most evident flowers are fireweed, buttercups, yarrow and cow parsnip.
Less common plants such as white fireweed, purple saxifrage, moss campion and willow herb may be found in some locations. On the barrens, Labrador tea, bog laurel, crackerberries, crowberries, blueberries and partridgeberries (also known as redberries or lingonberries) abound.
The Labrador Straits is famous for its bakeapples, which grow in abundance in the bogs and wetter areas of the barrens. Bakeapples are red when they're "green" and ripen to a rich, sunset-orange colour. Partridgeberries are plentiful on some of the dry barrenground areas. Rarer but very sweet and flavourful are wild strawberries and stemless arctic raspberries or "plumboys". These don't grow in abundance, but a handful or two make a delicious snack while on a hike.
Local berries may be sampled in desserts and jams at our restaurants.
Birds
Birds such as the Northern Raven stay in the Labrador Straits year-round.
Spring brings numerous waterfowl heading north to breed, such as Canada Geese, Common Pintail, Green-winged Teal and two species of Merganser. Seabirds include Glaucous Gulls, Murres (Guillemots) and Jaegers. Smaller birds such as Yellow Warblers and Flycatchers flock through, gathering in stands of trees before heading further north.
During summer, several species of raptor can be seen in the tundra, including Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harrier and Northern Goshawk. Gyre Falcon are rare visitors to these shores.
The Fall migration brings great numbers of shore birds. Greater Yellowlegs gather in the estuaries, and Sanderling and White-rumped Sandpiper flock on the seashore along the coast. A few species can withstand the rigors of winter in the Straits. Snow Buntings are the most common perching birds at this time, and Snowy Owls and Partridges are occasionally seen.
Spring brings numerous waterfowl heading north to breed, such as Canada Geese, Common Pintail, Green-winged Teal and two species of Merganser. Seabirds include Glaucous Gulls, Murres (Guillemots) and Jaegers. Smaller birds such as Yellow Warblers and Flycatchers flock through, gathering in stands of trees before heading further north.
During summer, several species of raptor can be seen in the tundra, including Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harrier and Northern Goshawk. Gyre Falcon are rare visitors to these shores.
The Fall migration brings great numbers of shore birds. Greater Yellowlegs gather in the estuaries, and Sanderling and White-rumped Sandpiper flock on the seashore along the coast. A few species can withstand the rigors of winter in the Straits. Snow Buntings are the most common perching birds at this time, and Snowy Owls and Partridges are occasionally seen.
Marine Life
Whales are frequently sighted in the Strait of Belle Isle during the months of summer and early fall.
The most common large species of whale is the humpback (shown here), usually seen in groups and noted for their classic roll and dive leaving their tail flukes in the air. Fin whales are more solitary than humpbacks, and are usually spotted alone or in small groups. Their main identifying feature is the tall, column-like spout of exhaled air when they surface after a dive. Smaller whales include pothead, minke and occasional killer whales. Porpoises and dolphins (known locally as "jumpers") are common.
The rocky shores abound with animals adapted to the ocean waves, such as sea urchins, limpets, mussels and starfish. On the sandy beaches are found creatures such as sandhoppers, burrowing and swimming crabs, clams, shrimps, and sand-eels.
The most common large species of whale is the humpback (shown here), usually seen in groups and noted for their classic roll and dive leaving their tail flukes in the air. Fin whales are more solitary than humpbacks, and are usually spotted alone or in small groups. Their main identifying feature is the tall, column-like spout of exhaled air when they surface after a dive. Smaller whales include pothead, minke and occasional killer whales. Porpoises and dolphins (known locally as "jumpers") are common.
The rocky shores abound with animals adapted to the ocean waves, such as sea urchins, limpets, mussels and starfish. On the sandy beaches are found creatures such as sandhoppers, burrowing and swimming crabs, clams, shrimps, and sand-eels.
Land Animals
Terrestrial mammals that can be spotted in the area include ground hog (known locally as the "Whistler"), otter, beaver, rabbit, muskrat and porcupine.
You may be fortunate to catch a glimpse of some of the predators found in the barrens -- fox, arctic wolf, wolverine, lynx, martin and black bear. Polar bears sometime drift south on icebergs from the high Arctic, and have been known to come ashore in the Straits. Sightings of these magnificent, but very dangerous, animals should be reported to the local wildlife officer.
You may be fortunate to catch a glimpse of some of the predators found in the barrens -- fox, arctic wolf, wolverine, lynx, martin and black bear. Polar bears sometime drift south on icebergs from the high Arctic, and have been known to come ashore in the Straits. Sightings of these magnificent, but very dangerous, animals should be reported to the local wildlife officer.