Generation and Evolution of Eddies Under the Influence of the Tide Behind the Capes of Hopen Island in the Barents Sea

This study investigates the generation and evolution of eddies near Hopen Island in the Barents Sea. Based on high-resolution satellite radar imagery and optical scanner data, 385 surface manifestations of eddy structures were identified between January and December 2018. Approximately two-thirds of these manifestations were observed during the cold season, coinciding with the presence of sea ice in the study region. The average eddy diameter was 4.5 km, ranging from 0.3 to 17.3 km. The eddies were detected year-round, and dipole eddies were frequently observed. The primary mechanism driving their generation is the interaction of tidal currents with the capes of Hopen Island. Notably, the direction of tidal flow determined both the rotational sense of the eddy structures and their trajectories. Eddy dynamics exerted significant influence on ice conditions during winter, altering the position of the ice edge and inducing polynya formation within hours. During the warm season, eddies were particularly conspicuous in high-resolution optical scanner imagery. The availability of consistent satellite measurements enabled detailed tracking of eddy evolution across fine spatial and temporal scales. The analysis highlights that the area around Hopen Island is a region of intense eddy generation on the Barents Sea shelf.