Variability of the circulation and off-shore transports in the Pacific sector of the Arctic Ocean

Abstract:

Climatological mean summer-fall circulations in the Pacific sector of the Arc-
tic Ocean for the period of 1900-2006, for cyclonic (1989-1997) and anticyclonic

(1997-2006) states of the local climate, and for the International Polar Year

(IPY) period (2007-2009) were reconstructed through the use of modeling with

4Dvar data assimilation. Comparison of the mean climatological states with

the IPY seasonal mean currents indicates significant changes in the circulation

pattern. In particular, the off-shore transport from the shelves of the East-
ern Siberian and Chukchi Seas has experienced a profound amplification with

a strongest signatures in 2008 and 2009. This pehomenon may contribute to

the process of accumulation of organic carbon in the central parts of the Arctic

Ocean.