A group of scientists from the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (SIO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences has discovered up to 20-meter-high internal waves in the Vilkitsky Strait that separates the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago from Taimyr Peninsula and connects the Kara Sea with the Laptev Sea, the SIO press service reports.

It was found that the propagation of internal tides in the zone under study was accompanied by wave generation at periods lasting from 5 to 120 minutes and with wave heights varying between 4 and 20 meters.

In addition, satellite data have confirmed that internal waves propagate both lengthwise and crosswise the strait.

“Our study serves both to increase knowledge about internal waves in the Arctic Ocean  and underscore the importance of further oceanological research ahead of  exploration for and production of minerals on the shelf and any underwater utility lines construction projects. It also helps to ensure navigation safety in the Arctic,” said Candidate of Sciences (Geography) Yelizaveta Khimchenko of the Institute of Oceanology, first author of the study and Senior Research Fellow at the SIO Laboratory of Ocean Acoustics.

According to the scientists, this phenomenon has a significant effect on the marine environment, given that internal waves participate in redistributing nutrients, oxygen and carbon dioxide, and can create dangers for subsurface navigation.