Abstract: The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is an important passage for the outflows from the Arctic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean. The variations in the hydrological characteristics and circulation of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago have profound impacts on the marine environment and ecosystems downstream and in the North Atlantic Ocean. Sea ice variability in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago plays a key role in the future security and navigation of the Northwest Passage. The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is a complex region; there is insufficient understanding of the variations in its hydrological characteristics and circulation. In this paper, we review the current research on the volume transport, freshwater transport, heat transport, thermohaline structures, and circulation patterns in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. We analyze and summarize the main factors and control mechanisms determining the variations; these include sea surface height, wind stress, air pressure, and density distribution. We highlight key issues for future research on the basis of existing studies.

Key words: Canadian Arctic Archipelago, circulation, seawater transport, hydrological characteristics