Abstract:

Based on the conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) data obtained near the Bering Strait by Chinese Second Arctic Research Expedition in Jul. and Sept., 2003 and historical data in Sept., 1988, gathered by NODC/NOAA, the water structure and distribution and variation of temperature and salinity are analyzed: (1)The water of the west and east part were stratification and there was strong thermocline in summer, 2003; besides in the center it was homogenize in vertical, there were strong horizontal front and the strength and position of the front was changed in July and Sept., 2003. (2)The warmer and fresh water was in the east and cooler and saline water occupied the west area, there was upwelling in the west; (3)The transport in the Bering Strait is northward mainly from the north Pacific Ocean to the Arctic Ocean, and distribution of temperature and salinity is matching with the northward transport.