Significant increase in freshwater entering Arctic Ocean through Bering Strait

A new study has confirmed that over the past 30 years the volume of freshwater flowing through Bering Strait into the Arctic Ocean has increased by 40-50%, which means that the Arctic Ocean is becoming less salty. This could impact sea ice formation, regional and global ocean circulation, and ecosystems.

"Our analysis indicates that the Arctic Ocean is becoming less salty in part because the water flowing north through the Bering Strait is becoming less salty," said lead author Lee Cooper of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. "This could have a lot of downstream implications for how the Arctic Ocean works and connects with climate and related processes, including the intensity of mixing in the North Atlantic."

Researchers used a new tracer approach to look at the oxygen isotope composition of water samples collected throughout the Bering and Chukchi shelves to assess the change in saltiness. The study evaluated more than one thousand water samples collected over the extensive continental shelf and the results provide a strong confirmation of increasing freshwater. The significance of the Bering Strait for freshwater is that it is the single largest point source of freshwater to the Arctic Ocean.

Less saline water is quicker to freeze and less likely to mix with deep water, resulting in less nutrient-rich deeper water being upwelled, ultimately decreasing biological productivity. Ultimately it also may interfere with deep water mixing in the North Atlantic that is climate-sensitive.

Research Report:Changes in the oxygen isotope composition of the Bering Sea contribution to the Arctic Ocean are an independent measure of increasing freshwater fluxes through the Bering Strait

Related Links
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Beyond the Ice Age

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

US creates Arctic ambassador as Russia, China competition rises
Washington (AFP) Aug 26, 2022
The United States said Friday it will create a position of Arctic ambassador to step up diplomacy as Russia and China increase their presence in waters opened up by climate change. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will soon name an ambassador-at-large who will engage with other Arctic nations, indigenous groups and other stakeholders, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said. "An Arctic region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative is of critical strategic importance to the Un ... read more