The Arctic Ocean is currently in transition towards a new, warmer state. Understanding
the regional variability of oceanographic conditions is important, since they have a
direct impact on local ecosystems. This work discusses the implementation of a hydrodynamic
model for Hornsund, the southernmost fjord of western Svalbard. Despite its location, Hornsund
has a stronger Arctic signature than other Svalbard fjords. The model was validated against
available data, and the seasonal mean circulation was obtained from numerical simulations. Two
main general circulation regimes have been detected in the fjord. The winter circulation
represents a typical closed fjord system, while in summer the fresh water discharge from the
catchment area generates a surface layer with a net
flow out of Hornsund. Also described are the
local hydrographic front and its seasonal variability, as well as the heat and salt content in
Hornsund. The integration of salt and heat anomalies provides additional information about the salt
flux into the innermost basin of the fjord - Brepollen during the summer. Extensive in situ
observations have been collected in Hornsund for the last two decades but our hydrodynamic model
is the
first ever implemented for this area. While at the moment in situ observations better represent
the state of this fjord's environment and the location of measurements, a numerical model, despite
its
flaws, can provide a more comprehensive image of the entire fjord's physical state. In situ
observations and numerical simulations should therefore be regarded as complementary tools, with
models enabling a better interpretation and understanding of experimental data.
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