The Water The Canada Basin , by far the largest of the Arctic Ocean basins, dominates the marine region, with an average depth of 3600 m. From this basin flows the water that reaches every corner of the Canadian Arctic. Caught in the Arctic Ocean Gyre , one of the main Arctic Ocean currents, the pack ice moves slowly in a vast circle and stays around for several years. This multi-year ice reaches a thickness of up to 2 m and is heavily ridged. Ice islands a few kilometres in length and width, and strong enough for heavy aircraft to land on, are common.
Tides are almost non-existent.
What coast is present in this region is steep and deeply cut by fjords in the north and low-lying in the south. The Wildlife Permanently ice covered, the waters of the region remain unmixed and as a result are biologically poor. The occasional bearded seal, ringed seal , polar bear , bowhead whale and beluga are found along the ice margins. Only beneath the ice is life slightly more prolific. This region is not yet represented in the national marine conservation areas system.