| Abstract: | The first part of this article (Mar. Pollut. Bull., 13, 7–12, 1982) described the impact of the seasonal fresh water runoff on bodies of water—such as the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the coastal region—through changes in the salinity and temperature distribution and through changes in the current generated by the density difference between the fresh river water and the ocean. The strength of the current and thus the transport of deep ocean water to the coastal region depends on the amount of fresh water released into the ocean. Therefore modifying the natural seasonal runoff by storing water for power production during the winter interferes with the timing of the physical and dynamic balance of the coastal region. The impact of this interference on the marine life and on the climate of the region is now discussed. |
