The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

New insights on the circulation and nitrate flux in Bering Strait from in-situ and reanalysis data
ID:418 Invited Oral Presentation

2027-01-14 08:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 5 - Arctic Ocean: Physical Processes and their Effects on Climate and the Ecosystem

Abstract
Bering Strait is the only Pacific gateway to the Arctic Ocean, playing a key role in influencing the hydrographic structure and biological productivity of the western Arctic. Here we use shipboard transects occupied across the strait from 2000-2025, together with historical water sample data and an ocean reanalysis product, to elucidate the regional circulation and investigate the northward flux of nitrate into the Chukchi Sea. We identify the existence of a third circulation branch, referred to as the Little Diomede Jet (LDJ), flowing along the western edge of the US side of the strait, adjacent to the Diomede Islands. The LDJ is surface intensified, approximately 10 km wide, and advects the coldest and saltiest water that passes through the US side of the strait. It contributes roughly 35% of the total transport through the US side during the warm months of the year and carries most of the nitrate. A backward trajectory calculation using the reanalysis product indicates that the LDJ emanates from within the high-nitrate Gulf of Anadyr and has similar hydrographic characteristics to the water on the eastern side of the Russian Channel.
Speaker
Robert Pickart Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Author
Robert Pickart Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027