Winter conditions in the Bering Sea

Abstract

This report presents the results of the oceanographic cruise of the USCGC POLAR STAR to the ice-covered areas of the Bering Sea in February-April, 1980. The 83 stations made represent the most extensive set of under-ice observations in the area using modern, high precision conductivity-temperature-depth recordings and elucidate features not observable in the historical data. Two crossings of the ice margin were made, separated by 600 Km. These showed that cold, dilute water overlies warmer saltier water of Bering Sea origin. This This report presents the results of the oceanographic cruise of the USCGC POLAR STAR to the ice-covered areas of the Bering Sea in February-April, 1980. The 83 stations made represent the most extensive set of under-ice observations in the area using modern, high precision conductivity-temperature-depth recordings and elucidate features not observable in the historical data. Two crossings of the ice margin were made, separated by 600 Km. These showed that cold, dilute water overlies warmer saltier water of Bering Sea origin. ThisThis report presents the results of the oceanographic cruise of the USCGC POLAR STAR to the ice-covered areas of the Bering Sea in February-April, 1980. The 83 stations made represent the most extensive set of under-ice observations in the area using modern, high precision conductivity-temperature-depth recordings and elucidate features not observable in the historical data. Two crossings of the ice margin were made, separated by 600 Km. These showed that cold, dilute water overlies warmer saltier water of Bering Sea origin. This latter water is present far back on the shelf, some 200 km behind the ice edge...