Bering Strait 2006 Mooring Work on the Laurier Cruise

The Bering Strait is the only Pacific Gateway to the Arctic Ocean. Since 1990, the properties of the Pacific inflow to the Arctic have been measured by moorings in the Bering Strait (more info). This inflow is important as it is a source of nutrients, freshwater and heat for the Arctic Ocean, with implications for Arctic sea-ice, ocean stratification and ecosystems. Data indicate that since 2001 the fluxes of heat and freshwater through the strait has been increasing (see here). The most recent data so far available (2004) suggest that year had the highest heat flux since moored measurements began.
In 2005, three Bering Strait moorings were deployed off the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, to measure the throughflow properties in what maybe a continuing warming environment (cruise report). Now in 2006, as part of a joint Canadian-US expedition aboard the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, we have recovered and redeployed these moorings.

For details, see:

- the 2006 UW Mooring Cruise report

- the daily journal of teacher-at-sea, Betty Carvellas

Right: Diagram of one of the three Bering Strait moorings, consisting of a ULS (Upward Looking Sonar, measuring ice thickness), a steel float, an RCM (recording current meter, measuring water velocity), an SBE SeaCat (measuring water temperature, salinity and fluorescence), more flotation, an NAS (Nutrient Sampler, measuring nitrate), two acoustic releases, and an anchor weight.

Our thanks go to the captain and crew of the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier for their hard work, skill, and professionalism during the cruise.

Bering Strait 2006 Mooring Cruise