FY 1991

Circulation and water properties in the central Bering Sea during OCSEAP studies, Fall 1989–Fall 1990

Reed, R.K.

NOAA Tech. Report ERL 446–PMEL 41, NTIS: PB92-122878, 13 pp (1991)

Data from three CTD surveys conducted during Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program (OCSEAP) cruises in the central Bering Sea during fall 1989, spring 1990, and fall 1990 are used to examine circulation and property distributions. Geostrophic flow was quite variable, except in Pribilof and Zemchug Canyons where it was consistently westward. The variability of flow and small transports are difficult to reconcile with any permanent current system. The relatively cold temperatures near the temperature maximum suggest the absence of inflow through Amukta Pass near 172°W. The distributions of nutrients in fall 1989 and spring 1990 are also presented and discussed.