The Labrador Sea is a body of water located off the coast of eastern Canada. The spelling of "Labrador" is straightforward, with emphasis on the second syllable (ləˈbrædər). However, the word "sea" is pronounced in a unique way, with a vowel sound similar to the "ay" in "may". This is reflected in the phonetic transcription /læbrəˈdɔr si/ of the full name, which helps to clarify how the words should be pronounced. The Labrador Sea is an important area for fishing and has significant biodiversity.
The Labrador Sea is a body of water located in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, situated between the eastern coastlines of Labrador, Canada, and southwestern Greenland. It is an expansive region spanning approximately 800,000 square kilometers. The sea is part of the larger North Atlantic Ocean and connects to the Davis Strait in the northeast and the Hudson Strait in the northwest.
The Labrador Sea is characterized by its deep and frigid waters, known for their rich nutrients and diverse marine life. The sea is home to various species of fish, including cod, haddock, and Arctic char, as well as marine mammals such as seals, dolphins, and whales. The region serves as an important breeding ground for several species, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
The Labrador Sea experiences a harsh climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The area is known for its frequent storms and strong winds, which contribute to the formation of sea ice during the winter months. These icy conditions pose challenges for navigation and other maritime activities in the area.
The Labrador Sea holds great ecological and economic importance. The fisheries in the region support commercial fishing industries, providing livelihoods for many coastal communities. Furthermore, the sea serves as a vital component of the global oceanic circulation system, playing a significant role in the redistribution of heat and maintaining the overall climate balance of the planet.
The word "Labrador" in "Labrador Sea" is derived from Portuguese. The sea was named after the Portuguese explorer João Fernandes Lavrador, who is believed to have explored the area in the late 15th century. Lavrador in Portuguese means "laborer" or "farmer", indicating that he might have had a background in agriculture. The name "Labrador" was later extended to the surrounding region, which is now known as Labrador, part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.