Figure-7.8: Projected future sea surface temperatures in oceans surrounding Canada

Fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) ensemble mean sea surface temperature (SST) for the period of 1986–2005 (top row) for February (a) and August (b). Change in the mean SST for mid-century (2046–2065) relative to 1986–2005 for February (c) and August (d) for the high emission scenario (RCP8.5). Standard deviation in the SST change for mid-century relative to 1986–2005 for February (e) and August (f). In general, the standard deviation is small, indicating agreement among models, except for northern Baffin Bay and the regions south of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Greenland; this can be attributed to the difficulty in modeling the ocean dynamics of these regions.