Water Masses Variability in Inner Kongsfjorden (Svalbard) During 2010–2020

Kongsfjorden is an Arctic fjord located in the Svalbard archipelago. Its hydrography influenced by warm and saline Atlantic Water (AW) West Spitsbergen Current cold fresh Polar circulating on shelf. We assess so-called atlantification of 2010–2020 decade inspecting modifications water properties masses variability through moored data summer CTD surveys. Atlantification this has emerged as increasing temperature salinity, resulting from enhanced advection waters Current. The column inner warmed 0.13°C/yr at 35 m 0.06°C/yr 85 depth 2010 to 2020, while salinity increased 0.3 PSU. Depth-averaged temperatures have 0.26°C/yr warmest months year, whereas they appear relatively stable coldest months. Both present a linear regression change point January 2017, with latter years featuring decreasing values. Highly diluted AW found beginning decade, which give way more pure years, culminating extensive intrusions 2016 2017 determining saltiest conditions over Kongsfjorden. Observations confirm that transitioned Atlantic-type fjord, depleted sea ice rather regular shallow frequently also winter. Although single are associated dynamical events shelf, we long-term evolution Kongsfjord consistent meridional transport current flowing northward lower latitudes along western archipelago thus profoundly driven local decade.