Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Gemery, Thomas M. Cronin, Lee W. Cooper, Harry J. Dowsett, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: The study focused on the ecological and distributional aspects of benthic ostracodes in the Pacific-Arctic region, identifying six species with diagnostic habitat ranges. Statistical analyses revealed that ostracode assemblages were influenced by summer water masses and complex water mass characteristics across different spatial scales. Dominant species remained fairly constant over recent decades, but there were slight increases in abundance of certain species, indicating a potential response to changing water mass properties in recent years. This ecological data suggests hypotheses for future benthic monitoring efforts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lee W. Cooper, Cedric Magen, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: Research suggests that the freshwater flux through the Bering Strait into the Arctic Ocean has increased by about 40% over the past two decades, resulting in a change in the oxygen isotope composition of water in the upper halocline. This finding is consistent with other independent measurements.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yoshimi Kawai
Summary: The study analyzed 32 years of high-resolution atmospheric reanalysis data to determine the atmospheric responses to sea surface temperature (ST) fronts in the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea. In the Chukchi Sea, the horizontal gradient and Laplacian of ST become noticeable in October and November, while an ST contrast develops in the winter in the Bering Sea. The study also demonstrated the pressure adjustment mechanism and confirmed the vertical mixing mechanism in both seas.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jed E. Lenetsky, Mark C. Serreze
Summary: Utilizing statistically modeled ocean heat transports through the Bering Strait and other predictors, skillful predictions of sea ice retreat and advance dates in the Chukchi Sea have been successfully created. The models can explain a significant amount of variance in sea ice dates at one-month leads, but their accuracy decreases at longer leads, indicating some predictive value but with limitations.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
John C. Craig George, Geof H. Givens, Lara Horstmann, Robert Suydam, Kayla Scheimreif, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Gay Sheffield, Todd L. Sformo, Brian Person, Andrew Von Duyke, Leandra Sousa, Rita M. Frantz, Raymond Tarpley
Summary: Data from aboriginal subsistence hunters in Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas were used to estimate reproductive parameters of bowhead whales. Results showed a downward trend in length at sexual maturity over time, with an estimated age at sexual maturity of 20.4-26.7 years. The pregnancy rate was estimated to be 0.46 globally and 0.38 for the autumn sample. These estimates provide important insights into the reproductive characteristics of this bowhead whale population.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jung-Woo Park, Yejin Kim, Kwan-Woo Kim, Amane Fujiwara, Hisatomo Waga, Jae Joong Kang, Sang-Heon Lee, Eun-Jin Yang, Toru Hirawake
Summary: The northern Bering and Chukchi seas are biologically productive regions, but recent environmental changes have had unprecedented effects. This study investigated the dominant phytoplankton communities and their contributions to primary production in these regions. The results showed that diatoms and phaeocystis were dominant phytoplankton communities in 2016, while diatoms and Prasinophytes were dominant in 2017. Small phytoplankton contributed differently to total primary production in the two years. Furthermore, there were distinct biochemical differences between small and large phytoplankton.
Article
Ecology
Jianhua Kang, Yuyuan Xie, Yili Lin, Yu Wang
Summary: A comprehensive study in the summer of 2010 on the Chukchi Sea revealed a phytoplankton bloom and its impact on nutrient drawdown. The research highlighted the succession pattern of diatom genera and the positive correlation between phytoplankton abundance and Chla concentration. The highly dynamic biogeochemical processes during the summer and the significant role of the Chukchi Sea as a silicate sink were among the key findings.
Review
Oceanography
Toru Hirawake, Joji Oida, Youhei Yamashita, Hisatomo Waga, Hiroto Abe, Jun Nishioka, Daiki Nomura, Hiromichi Ueno, Atsushi Ooki
Summary: The study demonstrates that water mass classification using CDOM parameters is effective in complex coastal sea areas such as the northern Bering Sea and southern Chukchi Sea.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vincent Valenti, Andy Mahoney, Andrew Metzger
Summary: This study analyzed under-ice measurements from the Beaufort and Chukchi seas over 16 seasons to identify pressure ridge keel features. Statistical analysis determined the parameters of keel depth, width, slope, and spacing, with different distributions showing varying degrees of fit. The findings have implications for designing offshore structures in ice-covered waters.
COLD REGIONS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Keigo D. Takahashi, Ryosuke Makabe, Shintaro Takao, Haruhiko Kashiwase, Masato Moteki
Summary: In the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean, the species composition of ice algae varies during the summer months, with Fragilariopsis cylindrus being the dominant species. The ratio of nitrate + nitrite to phosphate decreases significantly as algal concentrations increase, indicating accumulation of algae, particularly diatoms, in sea ice. The similarity between sea-ice and phytoplankton composition is negatively correlated with the number of days since sea-ice retreat and surface seawater temperature, suggesting that the release of ice algae influences the species composition of phytoplankton, especially in areas with strong sea-ice influence during summer.
JOURNAL OF OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Stephanie M. Lim, Gert L. van Dijken, Kevin R. Arrigo
Summary: This study investigated the response of Antarctic ice algal habitat to variations in sea ice and other environmental forcings. The research found that the Antarctic has a larger extent and duration of potential ice algal habitat than the Arctic. The bottom ice melt date was identified as the most important factor in explaining the variation in ice algal habitat. The study suggests that Antarctic ice algal habitat may be highly sensitive to future climate changes.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jessica M. Lindsay, Kristin L. Laidre, Paul B. Conn, Erin E. Moreland, Peter L. Boveng
Summary: The study found that ringed seals gradually emerge from dens in spring, especially after May 15th; total ringed seal counts in the Chukchi Sea are affected by snow melt progression, while total ringed seal counts and pup counts in the Bering Sea are more strongly influenced by date.
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Karyn D. Rode, D. C. Douglas, T. C. Atwood, G. M. Durner, R. R. Wilson, A. M. Pagano
Summary: Monitoring changes in the distribution of large carnivores, such as polar bears, is crucial for ensuring human safety and conservation efforts. This study examined the trends in land use by polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea over the past three decades. The results showed that as Arctic sea ice declined, the percentage of polar bears spending time on land increased. By extrapolating these trends, it was estimated that a significant proportion of polar bears will spend extended periods onshore by 2040. This has important implications for bear-human conflict and conservation efforts.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ran Zhang, Puqing Song, Hai Li, Rui Wang, Yuan Li, Xing Miao, Longshan Lin, Shaoxiong Ding
Summary: Research conducted in the Chukchi and northern Bering Seas found significant spatial and interannual fluctuations in demersal fish species and biodiversity, likely due to differences and interannual oscillations in water mass and tight pelagic-benthic coupling. The study also suggested that fish communities in the Chukchi Sea are more seriously affected by climate change compared to those in the northern Bering Sea, possibly due to simpler food webs and proximity to the central Arctic Ocean. Time-series surveys could help distinguish between acclimation to climate change and natural fluctuations.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Joshua Reuther, Scott Shirar, Owen Mason, Shelby L. Anderson, Joan B. Coltrain, Adam Freeburg, Peter Bowers, Claire Alix, Christyann M. Darwent, Lauren Norman
Summary: This study examined marine reservoir effects (MREs) in seal bones from the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas regions, comparing radiocarbon dates with terrestrial materials from archaeological sites in northwestern Alaska. Results showed differences and deviations in C-14 dates between seal bones and terrestrial counterparts, as well as from the marine calibration curve.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Monika Kedra, Lee W. Cooper, Marc J. Silberberger, Mengjie Zhang, Dana Biasatti, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: The study used compound-specific carbon isotope analysis to determine organic carbon sources utilized by dominant benthic bivalve species in the Arctic, revealing differences in carbon sources along a latitudinal gradient influenced by species type and sampling location. Additionally, some species may switch their feeding preferences based on season and geography.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Kathi A. Lefebvre, Evangeline Fachon, Emily K. Bowers, David G. Kimmel, Jonathan A. Snyder, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Steve Kibler, D. Ransom Hardison, Donald M. Anderson, David Kulis, Jim Murphy, Jeanette C. Gann, Dan Cooper, Lisa B. Eisner, Janet T. Duffy-Anderson, Gay Sheffield, Robert S. Pickart, Anna Mounsey, Maryjean L. Willis, Phyllis Stabeno, Elizabeth Siddon
Summary: Climate change-related ocean warming and reduction in Arctic sea ice increase the risk of toxic bloom caused by Alexandrium catenella in the Alaskan Arctic. This study quantifies the presence of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (PST) in various organisms in the Arctic food chain, indicating potential health impacts on marine wildlife and humans. The findings raise concerns about increasing PST/STX exposure risks to Arctic marine mammals as ocean warming and sea ice reduction continue.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sue E. Moore, Janet T. Clarke, Stephen R. Okkonen, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Catherine L. Berchok, Kathleen M. Stafford
Summary: Changes in gray whale phenology and distribution in the Pacific Arctic are influenced by various factors, including prey availability, bottom water temperature, salinity, sea ice persistence, and wind patterns. The distribution of gray whales is associated with changes in prey abundance and localized wind patterns. The findings highlight the importance of understanding these factors for future research and conservation of whales in the region.
Article
Paleontology
L. Gemery, L. W. Cooper, C. Magen, T. M. Cronin, J. M. Grebmeier
Summary: Stable oxygen isotope measurements on calcitic valves of benthic ostracodes were used to examine ecological and hydrographic processes governing ostracode and associated seawater values. The results showed that the stable oxygen isotope composition was influenced by seasonality, regional hydrography, and physical processes. The study also found correlations between stable oxygen isotope values of certain species and temperature and salinity, which can be used to predict water-mass characteristics.
MARINE MICROPALEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clare B. Gaffey, Karen E. Frey, Lee W. Cooper, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: The decreased sea ice cover in the northern Bering Sea has changed the annual phenology of phytoplankton due to longer open water duration and its impact on ocean stratification. Shipboard-based measurements are needed to provide more information on bloom dynamics, as satellite remote sensing has limitations in detecting bloom activity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lee W. Cooper, Cedric Magen, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: Research suggests that the freshwater flux through the Bering Strait into the Arctic Ocean has increased by about 40% over the past two decades, resulting in a change in the oxygen isotope composition of water in the upper halocline. This finding is consistent with other independent measurements.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chelsea W. Koch, Thomas A. Brown, Remi Amiraux, Carla Ruiz-Gonzalez, Maryam MacCorquodale, Gustavo A. Yunda-Guarin, Doreen Kohlbach, Lisa L. Loseto, Bruno Rosenberg, Nigel E. Hussey, Steve H. Ferguson, David J. Yurkowski
Summary: Koch and Brown et al. conducted a study on the transfer of ice algal carbon in the Arctic marine food web, finding that it is widespread and contributes to supporting organisms throughout the dark winter months. Through the use of lipid biomarkers, they identified ice algal carbon signatures in 96% of the organisms investigated, collected year-round from January to December. These findings highlight the importance of benthic retention of ice algal carbon and the potential disruptions to the food web with declining sea ice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Suzanne E. Tank, James W. McClelland, Robert G. M. Spencer, Alexander I. Shiklomanov, Anya Suslova, Florentina Moatar, Rainer M. W. Amon, Lee W. Cooper, Greg Elias, Vyacheslav V. Gordeev, Christopher Guay, Tatiana Yu. Gurtovaya, Lyudmila S. Kosmenko, Edda A. Mutter, Bruce J. Peterson, Bernhard Peucker-Ehrenbrink, Peter A. Raymond, Paul F. Schuster, Lindsay Scott, Robin Staples, Robert G. Striegl, Mikhail Tretiakov, Alexander V. Zhulidov, Nikita Zimov, Sergey Zimov, Robert M. Holmes
Summary: Rivers are sensitive indicators of watershed changes and regulate ecosystem function across the land-ocean continuum. A study on major Arctic rivers found that alkalinity and associated ion fluxes to the ocean increased significantly, while nitrate and other inorganic nutrient fluxes declined. Dissolved organic carbon fluxes showed no overall trend. This indicates disturbance of multiple land processes, with implications for coastal ocean biogeochemical cycling.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karen E. Frey, Josefino C. Comiso, Larry V. Stock, Luisa N. C. Young, Lee W. Cooper, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: Massive declines in sea ice cover and warming seawaters have caused profound shifts in marine ecosystems in the Pacific Arctic region. The Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) provides sampling infrastructure for this region and has identified significant trends in environmental variables, such as sea surface temperature and primary productivity. The length of the open water season strongly influences annual primary productivity in DBO sites.
Article
Paleontology
Laura Gemery, Thomas M. Cronin, Lee W. Cooper, Lucy R. Roberts, Lloyd D. Keigwin, Jason A. Addison, Melanie J. Leng, Peigen Lin, Cedric Magen, Marci E. Marot, Valerie Schwartz
Summary: A 2,000 year-long oceanographic history was reconstructed from a Canadian Beaufort Sea continental shelf site using various proxies. The records revealed temperature oscillations and changes in organic carbon cycling associated with the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age. Changes in faunal and isotopic composition indicated variations in bottom water conditions, with the most significant changes occurring during the cooler period of the Little Ice Age.
Article
Oceanography
Seth L. Danielson, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Katrin Iken, Catherine Berchok, Lyle Britt, Kenneth H. Dunton, Lisa Eisner, Edward V. Farley, Amane Fujiwara, Donna D. W. Hauser, Motoyo Itoh, Takashi Kikuchi, Stan Kotwicki, Kathy J. Kuletz, Calvin W. Mordy, Shigeto Nishino, Cecilia Peralta-Ferriz, Robert S. Pickart, Phyllis S. Stabeno, Kathleen M. Stafford, Alex V. Whiting, Rebecca Woodgate
Summary: The ongoing scientific programs in the Alaskan Arctic continental shelves aim to monitor marine environmental and ecological systems and changes. These programs are a collaborative effort involving various organizations and institutions, providing rich information and extensive spatial coverage. They contribute to understanding the impacts of declining Arctic sea ice and warming water temperatures on ecosystems.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lee W. Cooper, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
Summary: Declines in seasonal sea ice have led to increased surface chlorophyll biomass in the Pacific Arctic region. However, shipboard observations in the Bering Strait region indicate that the relationship between open water periods and phytoplankton productivity is not straightforward. While a fall bloom was confirmed, no significant increase in chlorophyll-a was observed at the Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) stations over a time-series extending up to 20 years coinciding with seasonal sea ice declines.
