2014 Vol. 33, No. 6
Display Method:
2014, 33(6): 1-8.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0483-9
Abstract:
The 3rd Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE-Arctic Ⅲ) was carried out from July to September in 2008. The partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the atmosphere and in surface seawater were determined in the Bering Sea during July 11-27, 2008, and a large number of seawater samples were taken for total alkalinity (TA) and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) analysis. The distributions of CO2 parameters in the Bering Sea and their controlling factors were discussed. The pCO2 values in surface seawater presented a drastic variation from 148 to 563 μatm (1 μatm = 1.013 25×10-1 Pa ). The lowest pCO2 values were observed near the Bering Sea shelf break while the highest pCO2 existed at the western Bering Strait. The Bering Sea generally acts as a net sink for atmospheric CO2 in summer. The air-sea CO2 fluxes in the Bering Sea shelf, slope, and basin were estimated at-9.4,-16.3, and-5.1 mmol/(m2·d), respectively. The annual uptake of CO2 was about 34 Tg C in the Bering Sea.
The 3rd Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE-Arctic Ⅲ) was carried out from July to September in 2008. The partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the atmosphere and in surface seawater were determined in the Bering Sea during July 11-27, 2008, and a large number of seawater samples were taken for total alkalinity (TA) and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) analysis. The distributions of CO2 parameters in the Bering Sea and their controlling factors were discussed. The pCO2 values in surface seawater presented a drastic variation from 148 to 563 μatm (1 μatm = 1.013 25×10-1 Pa ). The lowest pCO2 values were observed near the Bering Sea shelf break while the highest pCO2 existed at the western Bering Strait. The Bering Sea generally acts as a net sink for atmospheric CO2 in summer. The air-sea CO2 fluxes in the Bering Sea shelf, slope, and basin were estimated at-9.4,-16.3, and-5.1 mmol/(m2·d), respectively. The annual uptake of CO2 was about 34 Tg C in the Bering Sea.
2014, 33(6): 9-19.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0484-8
Abstract:
Nitrous oxide (N2O) distribution patterns in the Bering Sea basin (BSB) and Indian Sector of the Southern Ocean (ISSO) were described and compared. In both sites, the waters were divided into four layers: surface layer, subsurface layer, N2O maximum layer, and deep water. Simulations were made to find out the most important factors that regulate the N2O distribution patterns in different layers of both sites. The results showed that in the surface water, N2O was more understaturated in the ISSO than the BSB. This phenomenon in the surface water of ISSO may result from ice melt water intrusion and northeastward transport of the Antarctic surface water. Results of the rough estimation of air-sea fluxes during the expedition were (-0.34±0.07)-(-0.64±0.13) μmol/(m2·d) and (-1.47±0.42)-(-1.77±0.51) μmol/(m2·d) for the BSB and the ISSO, respectively. Strongly stratified surface layer and temperature minimum layer restricted exchange across the thermocline. The N2O maximum existed in higher concentration and deeper in the BSB than the ISSO, but their contribution to the upper layer by eddy diffusions was negligible. In deep waters, a concentration difference of 5 nmol/L N2O between these two sites was found, which suggested that N2O production occurred during thermohaline circulation. N2O may be a useful tracer to study important large-scale hydrographic processes.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) distribution patterns in the Bering Sea basin (BSB) and Indian Sector of the Southern Ocean (ISSO) were described and compared. In both sites, the waters were divided into four layers: surface layer, subsurface layer, N2O maximum layer, and deep water. Simulations were made to find out the most important factors that regulate the N2O distribution patterns in different layers of both sites. The results showed that in the surface water, N2O was more understaturated in the ISSO than the BSB. This phenomenon in the surface water of ISSO may result from ice melt water intrusion and northeastward transport of the Antarctic surface water. Results of the rough estimation of air-sea fluxes during the expedition were (-0.34±0.07)-(-0.64±0.13) μmol/(m2·d) and (-1.47±0.42)-(-1.77±0.51) μmol/(m2·d) for the BSB and the ISSO, respectively. Strongly stratified surface layer and temperature minimum layer restricted exchange across the thermocline. The N2O maximum existed in higher concentration and deeper in the BSB than the ISSO, but their contribution to the upper layer by eddy diffusions was negligible. In deep waters, a concentration difference of 5 nmol/L N2O between these two sites was found, which suggested that N2O production occurred during thermohaline circulation. N2O may be a useful tracer to study important large-scale hydrographic processes.
2014, 33(6): 20-27.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0485-7
Abstract:
According to data obtained in the Bering Sea during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition, the distribution of dissolved oxygen (DO) was studied, causes of its maximum concentration were discussed, and the relationships between DO and other parameters, such as salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll a were analyzed. The results showed DO concentration ranged from 0.53 to 12.05 mg/L in the Bering Sea basin. The upper waters contained high concentrations and the maximum occurred at the depth range from 20 to 50 m. The DO concentration decreased rapidly when the depth was deeper than 200 m and reached the minimum at the depth range from 500 to 1 000 m, and then increased slowly with the depth increasing but still kept at a low level. On the shelf, the DO concentration ranged from 6.53 to 16.63 mg/L with a mean value of 10.75 mg/L, and showed a characteristic of decreasing from north to south. The DO concentration was higher in the area between the Bering Sea and Lawrence Island and was lower in the southeast and southwest of Lawrence Island at the latitude of 62°N. The formation of maximum DO concentration was concerned with phytoplankton photosynthesis and formation of the themocline. To the south of Sta. B07 in the Bering Sea basin, the oxygen produced by photosynthesis permeated to the deeper water and the themocline made it difficult to exchange vertically, and to the north of Sta. B07, the maximum DO concentration occurred above the themocline due to phytoplankton activities. On the shelf, the oxygen produced by phytoplankton photosynthesis gathered at the bottom of the thermocline and formed the DO maximum concentration. In the Bering Sea basin, the DO and salinity showed a weak negative correlation (r=0.40) when the salinity was lower than 33.1, a significant negative correlation (r=0.92) when the salinity ranged from 33.1 to 33.7, and an irregular reversed parabola (r=0.95) when the salinity was greater than 33.7.
According to data obtained in the Bering Sea during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition, the distribution of dissolved oxygen (DO) was studied, causes of its maximum concentration were discussed, and the relationships between DO and other parameters, such as salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll a were analyzed. The results showed DO concentration ranged from 0.53 to 12.05 mg/L in the Bering Sea basin. The upper waters contained high concentrations and the maximum occurred at the depth range from 20 to 50 m. The DO concentration decreased rapidly when the depth was deeper than 200 m and reached the minimum at the depth range from 500 to 1 000 m, and then increased slowly with the depth increasing but still kept at a low level. On the shelf, the DO concentration ranged from 6.53 to 16.63 mg/L with a mean value of 10.75 mg/L, and showed a characteristic of decreasing from north to south. The DO concentration was higher in the area between the Bering Sea and Lawrence Island and was lower in the southeast and southwest of Lawrence Island at the latitude of 62°N. The formation of maximum DO concentration was concerned with phytoplankton photosynthesis and formation of the themocline. To the south of Sta. B07 in the Bering Sea basin, the oxygen produced by photosynthesis permeated to the deeper water and the themocline made it difficult to exchange vertically, and to the north of Sta. B07, the maximum DO concentration occurred above the themocline due to phytoplankton activities. On the shelf, the oxygen produced by phytoplankton photosynthesis gathered at the bottom of the thermocline and formed the DO maximum concentration. In the Bering Sea basin, the DO and salinity showed a weak negative correlation (r=0.40) when the salinity was lower than 33.1, a significant negative correlation (r=0.92) when the salinity ranged from 33.1 to 33.7, and an irregular reversed parabola (r=0.95) when the salinity was greater than 33.7.
2014, 33(6): 28-39.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0486-6
Abstract:
210Pb was measured during the 3rd Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition cruise to investigate its spatial pattern in the western Arctic Ocean, as well as its relation with the thermocline in the Canadian Basin. The specific activities varied from 0.04 to 2.72, <0.013 to 4.37, and 0.1 to 4.85 Bq/m3 for dissolved, particulate, and bulk 210Pb, respectively, corresponding to respective averages of 0.65, 0.43, and 1.08 Bq/m3. In the Canadian Basin, the minimum 210Pb activities occurred in the thermocline, which was characterized by low temperature of-1.52℃ and salinity of 33.1. Combining the spatial distribution of 210Pb and hydrographical characteristics in the western Arctic Ocean, this scenario was ascribed to the effective scavenging of 210Pb when the Pacific water flowed across the Chukchi Shelf. Quantitatively, this interpretation was supported by both the shorter residence times and higher scavenging efficiencies (SE) of dissolved 210Pb over the Chukchi Shelf. The highest SE values were observed in the Herald Shoal and bottom waters over the slope.
210Pb was measured during the 3rd Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition cruise to investigate its spatial pattern in the western Arctic Ocean, as well as its relation with the thermocline in the Canadian Basin. The specific activities varied from 0.04 to 2.72, <0.013 to 4.37, and 0.1 to 4.85 Bq/m3 for dissolved, particulate, and bulk 210Pb, respectively, corresponding to respective averages of 0.65, 0.43, and 1.08 Bq/m3. In the Canadian Basin, the minimum 210Pb activities occurred in the thermocline, which was characterized by low temperature of-1.52℃ and salinity of 33.1. Combining the spatial distribution of 210Pb and hydrographical characteristics in the western Arctic Ocean, this scenario was ascribed to the effective scavenging of 210Pb when the Pacific water flowed across the Chukchi Shelf. Quantitatively, this interpretation was supported by both the shorter residence times and higher scavenging efficiencies (SE) of dissolved 210Pb over the Chukchi Shelf. The highest SE values were observed in the Herald Shoal and bottom waters over the slope.
2014, 33(6): 40-45.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0487-5
Abstract:
As a conservative tracer, oxygen isotopes in seawater are widely used for water mass analysis, along with temperature and salinity. In this study, seawater oxygen-18 datasets in the Canada Basin during 1967-2010 were obtained from the four cruises of the Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (1999, 2003, 2008, and 2010) and the NASA database. Fractions of sea ice meltwater and river runoff were determined from the salinity-δ18O system. Our results showed that the river runoff decreased from the south to the north in the Canada Basin. The enhanced amount of river runoff observed in the southern Canada Basin may originate from the Mackenzie River, transported by the Beaufort Gyre. The river runoff component showed maximum fractions during 1967-1969, 1978-1979, 1984-1985, 1993-1994, and 2008-2010, indicating the refresh time of the river runoff was 5.0-16.0 a in the Canada Basin. The temporal variation of the river runoff was related to the change of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) index, suggesting the freshwater stored in the Canada Basin was affected by surface sea ice drift and water mass movement driven by atmospheric circulation.
As a conservative tracer, oxygen isotopes in seawater are widely used for water mass analysis, along with temperature and salinity. In this study, seawater oxygen-18 datasets in the Canada Basin during 1967-2010 were obtained from the four cruises of the Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (1999, 2003, 2008, and 2010) and the NASA database. Fractions of sea ice meltwater and river runoff were determined from the salinity-δ18O system. Our results showed that the river runoff decreased from the south to the north in the Canada Basin. The enhanced amount of river runoff observed in the southern Canada Basin may originate from the Mackenzie River, transported by the Beaufort Gyre. The river runoff component showed maximum fractions during 1967-1969, 1978-1979, 1984-1985, 1993-1994, and 2008-2010, indicating the refresh time of the river runoff was 5.0-16.0 a in the Canada Basin. The temporal variation of the river runoff was related to the change of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) index, suggesting the freshwater stored in the Canada Basin was affected by surface sea ice drift and water mass movement driven by atmospheric circulation.
2014, 33(6): 46-52.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0488-4
Abstract:
The fractions of river runoff and sea-ice melted water in the Canada Basin in summer 2003 were determined by the salinity-δ18O system. The fraction of river runoff (fR) was high in the upper 50 m of the water column and decreased with depth and latitude. The signals of the river runoff were confined to water depths above 200 m. The total amount of river runoff in the Canada Basin was higher than that in other arctic seas, indicating that the Canada Basin is a main storage region for river runoff. The penetration depth of the sea-ice melted water was less than 50 m to the south of 78°N, while it was about 150 m to the north of 78°N. The total amount of sea-ice melted water was much higher to the north of 78°N than to the south of 78°N, indicating the sea-ice melted waters accumulated on the ice edge. The abundant sea-ice melted water on the ice edge was attributed to the earlier melted water in the southern Canada Basin and transported by the Beaufort Gyre or the reinforced melting of sea ice by solar radiation in the polynya.
The fractions of river runoff and sea-ice melted water in the Canada Basin in summer 2003 were determined by the salinity-δ18O system. The fraction of river runoff (fR) was high in the upper 50 m of the water column and decreased with depth and latitude. The signals of the river runoff were confined to water depths above 200 m. The total amount of river runoff in the Canada Basin was higher than that in other arctic seas, indicating that the Canada Basin is a main storage region for river runoff. The penetration depth of the sea-ice melted water was less than 50 m to the south of 78°N, while it was about 150 m to the north of 78°N. The total amount of sea-ice melted water was much higher to the north of 78°N than to the south of 78°N, indicating the sea-ice melted waters accumulated on the ice edge. The abundant sea-ice melted water on the ice edge was attributed to the earlier melted water in the southern Canada Basin and transported by the Beaufort Gyre or the reinforced melting of sea ice by solar radiation in the polynya.
2014, 33(6): 53-62.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0489-3
Abstract:
The diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) for downwelling irradiance is calculated from solar irradiance data measured in the Arctic Ocean during 3rd and 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE), including 18 stations and nine stations selected for irradiance profiles in sea water respectively. In this study, the variation of attenuation coefficient in the Arctic Ocean was studied, and the following results were obtained. First, the relationship between attenuation coefficient and chlorophyll concentration in the Arctic Ocean has the form of a power function. The best fit is at 443 nm, and its determination coefficient is more than 0.7. With increasing wavelength, the determination coefficient decreases abruptly. At 550 nm, it even reaches a value lower than 0.2. However, the exponent fitted is only half of that adapted in low-latitude ocean because of the lower chlorophyll-specific absorption in the Arctic Ocean. The upshot was that, in the case of the same chlorophyll concentration, the attenuation caused by phytoplankton chlorophyll in the Arctic Ocean is lower than in low-latitude ocean. Second, the spectral model, which exhibits the relationship of attenuation coefficients between 490 nm and other wavelength, was built and provided a new method to estimate the attenuation coefficient at other wavelength, if the attenuation coefficient at 490 nm was known. Third, the impact factors on attenuation coefficient, including sea ice and sea water mass, were discussed. The influence of sea ice on attenuation coefficient is indirect and is determined through the control of entering solar radiation. The linear relationship between averaging sea ice concentration (ASIC, from 158 Julian day to observation day) and the depth of maximum chlorophyll is fitted by a simple linear equation. In addition, the sea water mass, such as the ACW (Alaskan Coastal Water), directly affects the amount of chlorophyll through taking more nutrient, and results in the higher attenuation coefficient in the layer of 30-60 m. Consequently, the spectral model of diffuse attenuation coefficient, the relationship between attenuation coefficient and chlorophyll and the linear relationship between the ASIC and the depth of maximum chlorophyll, together provide probability for simulating the process of diffuse attenuation coefficient during summer in the Arctic Ocean.
The diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) for downwelling irradiance is calculated from solar irradiance data measured in the Arctic Ocean during 3rd and 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE), including 18 stations and nine stations selected for irradiance profiles in sea water respectively. In this study, the variation of attenuation coefficient in the Arctic Ocean was studied, and the following results were obtained. First, the relationship between attenuation coefficient and chlorophyll concentration in the Arctic Ocean has the form of a power function. The best fit is at 443 nm, and its determination coefficient is more than 0.7. With increasing wavelength, the determination coefficient decreases abruptly. At 550 nm, it even reaches a value lower than 0.2. However, the exponent fitted is only half of that adapted in low-latitude ocean because of the lower chlorophyll-specific absorption in the Arctic Ocean. The upshot was that, in the case of the same chlorophyll concentration, the attenuation caused by phytoplankton chlorophyll in the Arctic Ocean is lower than in low-latitude ocean. Second, the spectral model, which exhibits the relationship of attenuation coefficients between 490 nm and other wavelength, was built and provided a new method to estimate the attenuation coefficient at other wavelength, if the attenuation coefficient at 490 nm was known. Third, the impact factors on attenuation coefficient, including sea ice and sea water mass, were discussed. The influence of sea ice on attenuation coefficient is indirect and is determined through the control of entering solar radiation. The linear relationship between averaging sea ice concentration (ASIC, from 158 Julian day to observation day) and the depth of maximum chlorophyll is fitted by a simple linear equation. In addition, the sea water mass, such as the ACW (Alaskan Coastal Water), directly affects the amount of chlorophyll through taking more nutrient, and results in the higher attenuation coefficient in the layer of 30-60 m. Consequently, the spectral model of diffuse attenuation coefficient, the relationship between attenuation coefficient and chlorophyll and the linear relationship between the ASIC and the depth of maximum chlorophyll, together provide probability for simulating the process of diffuse attenuation coefficient during summer in the Arctic Ocean.
2014, 33(6): 63-73.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0490-x
Abstract:
Based on trawl surveys in the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea during the 2010 Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition, fish biodiversity characteristics, such as fish composition, dominant species, biodiversity, and faunal characteristics were conducted. We also discussed the responses of fishes to the quick changes in Arctic climate. The results showed that a total of 41 species in 14 families were recorded in these waters. The dominant species were Hippoglossoides robustus, Boreogadus saida, Myoxocephalus scorpius, Lumpenus fabricii, and Artediellus scaber. There were 35 coldwater species, accounting for 85.37%, and six cold temperate species, occupying 14.63%. The habitat types of fish could be grouped as follows: 35 species of demersal fishes, five benthopelagic fishes, and one pelagic fish. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') (range between 0 and 2.18, 1.21 on average) was not high, and descended from south to north. Climate change has caused some fishes to shift along their latitudinal and longitudinal distribution around the Arctic and Subarctic areas, and this could lead to the decline of Arctic fishery resources.
Based on trawl surveys in the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea during the 2010 Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition, fish biodiversity characteristics, such as fish composition, dominant species, biodiversity, and faunal characteristics were conducted. We also discussed the responses of fishes to the quick changes in Arctic climate. The results showed that a total of 41 species in 14 families were recorded in these waters. The dominant species were Hippoglossoides robustus, Boreogadus saida, Myoxocephalus scorpius, Lumpenus fabricii, and Artediellus scaber. There were 35 coldwater species, accounting for 85.37%, and six cold temperate species, occupying 14.63%. The habitat types of fish could be grouped as follows: 35 species of demersal fishes, five benthopelagic fishes, and one pelagic fish. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') (range between 0 and 2.18, 1.21 on average) was not high, and descended from south to north. Climate change has caused some fishes to shift along their latitudinal and longitudinal distribution around the Arctic and Subarctic areas, and this could lead to the decline of Arctic fishery resources.
2014, 33(6): 74-81.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0491-9
Abstract:
Field investigations of marine macrobenthos were conducted at ten sites in the Bering Sea in July 2010. Altogether 90 species of macrobenthos belonging to 59 families and 78 genera were identified. Among them, 41 polychaetes, 16 mollusks, 23 crustaceans, three echinoderms, two cnidarians, one nemertean, one priapulid, two sipunculids, and one echiuran were identified. The average density and biomass of total macrobenthos were 984 ind./m2 and 1 207.1 g/m2 of wet weight, respectively. The predominant species in the study area were Scoloplos armiger, Eudorella pacifica, Ophiura sarsii, Heteromastus filiformis, Ennucula tenuis, and Harpiniopsis vadiculus by abundance, while the predominant species in this area was Echinarachnius parma by biomass. Hierarchical cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis similarity measure) revealed that two important benthic assemblages in the study area were Community A and Community B. Community A was stable and Community B was unstable, as shown by the Abundance/Biomass Comparisons (ABC) approach. The macrobenthic community structure in the shelf of the Bering Sea was characterized by its high abundance and biomass, high productivity but great heterogeneity.
Field investigations of marine macrobenthos were conducted at ten sites in the Bering Sea in July 2010. Altogether 90 species of macrobenthos belonging to 59 families and 78 genera were identified. Among them, 41 polychaetes, 16 mollusks, 23 crustaceans, three echinoderms, two cnidarians, one nemertean, one priapulid, two sipunculids, and one echiuran were identified. The average density and biomass of total macrobenthos were 984 ind./m2 and 1 207.1 g/m2 of wet weight, respectively. The predominant species in the study area were Scoloplos armiger, Eudorella pacifica, Ophiura sarsii, Heteromastus filiformis, Ennucula tenuis, and Harpiniopsis vadiculus by abundance, while the predominant species in this area was Echinarachnius parma by biomass. Hierarchical cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis similarity measure) revealed that two important benthic assemblages in the study area were Community A and Community B. Community A was stable and Community B was unstable, as shown by the Abundance/Biomass Comparisons (ABC) approach. The macrobenthic community structure in the shelf of the Bering Sea was characterized by its high abundance and biomass, high productivity but great heterogeneity.
2014, 33(6): 82-89.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0492-8
Abstract:
Field sampling of the macrobenthos from 23 stations in the Chukchi Sea was conducted during the 4th CHINARE (Chinese National Arctic Research Expeditions, July-August, 2010). We identified a total of 140 species of macrozoobenthos belonging to nine phyla, which were dominated by polychaetes (66), crustaceans (30), and mollusks (25), followed by echinoderms (9) and others (ten others, including four cnidarians, one oligochaete, one sipuncula, one priapulida, two bryozoans, and one urochordata). The dominant species were Aphelochaeta pacifica, Heteromastus filiformis, Nephtys ciliata, Nephtys caeca, Scoletoma fragilis, Golfingia margaritacea, Nuculana pernula, Macoma calcarea, Ennucula tenuis, Macoma inquinata, Musculus discors, Echinarachnius parma, and Ophiura sarsii, so there were more cold-eurythermal boreal immigrants than truly Arctic species (endemics). The average density and biomass (mean ± SD across all stations) of the total macrozoobenthos were (916 ± 907) ind/m2 and (902.9 ± 1 227.7) g/m2 (wet weight), respectively. Relatively high density and biomass were observed in the samples from the northeastern and southern Chukchi Sea. The spatial variation of benthic communities in the study sea area was relatively large; this spatial heterogeneity has led to high diversity and a patchy distribution pattern in the community structure. Compared to the 1st CHINARE (July-August, 1999), this investigation revealed different degrees of decreases in the average taxa numbers and the average density, abundance, and biodiversity in the area over the recent decade, which might be associated with global warming, human activities, and sea ice variations.
Field sampling of the macrobenthos from 23 stations in the Chukchi Sea was conducted during the 4th CHINARE (Chinese National Arctic Research Expeditions, July-August, 2010). We identified a total of 140 species of macrozoobenthos belonging to nine phyla, which were dominated by polychaetes (66), crustaceans (30), and mollusks (25), followed by echinoderms (9) and others (ten others, including four cnidarians, one oligochaete, one sipuncula, one priapulida, two bryozoans, and one urochordata). The dominant species were Aphelochaeta pacifica, Heteromastus filiformis, Nephtys ciliata, Nephtys caeca, Scoletoma fragilis, Golfingia margaritacea, Nuculana pernula, Macoma calcarea, Ennucula tenuis, Macoma inquinata, Musculus discors, Echinarachnius parma, and Ophiura sarsii, so there were more cold-eurythermal boreal immigrants than truly Arctic species (endemics). The average density and biomass (mean ± SD across all stations) of the total macrozoobenthos were (916 ± 907) ind/m2 and (902.9 ± 1 227.7) g/m2 (wet weight), respectively. Relatively high density and biomass were observed in the samples from the northeastern and southern Chukchi Sea. The spatial variation of benthic communities in the study sea area was relatively large; this spatial heterogeneity has led to high diversity and a patchy distribution pattern in the community structure. Compared to the 1st CHINARE (July-August, 1999), this investigation revealed different degrees of decreases in the average taxa numbers and the average density, abundance, and biodiversity in the area over the recent decade, which might be associated with global warming, human activities, and sea ice variations.
2014, 33(6): 90-94.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0493-7
Abstract:
The metazoan meiofauna in the Chukchi Sea were collected from seven shallow water stations (depths ranging 46 to 52 m) and five deep sea stations (depths ranging between 393 and 2 300 m) during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition in 2010. The results showed that abundance of meiofauna was higher in shallow water sediments (average of 2 445 ind./(10 cm2)) than in deep sea sediments (407.06 ind./(10 cm2)). A UNIANOVA test for difference between the two different regions was highly significant (F=101.15, p<0.01). Nematodes were numerically dominant, representing (96.6±4.6)% of the total meiofaunal abundance at the shallow water stations and (98.90±1.42)% at deep sea stations. The number of higher taxonomic groups and abundance of meiofauna were higher at Stas CC1, CC4, and R06 near the Bering Strait and the continent, than at the rest of the shallow water and deep sea stations. The primary factors causing the differences were concentrations of nutrients P and Si of bottom seawater (R=0.831, p<0.003), followed by depth (R=-0.655, p<0.05) and sand fractions of sediments (R=0.632, p <0.05). The numbers of meiofauna on the 65 μm and 32 μm sieves were significantly higher than those on the rest of the screens. Differences in numbers of meiofauna retained on screens with different mesh openings were highly significant among all sampling stations (F=31.60, p<0.01). The highest numbers of individuals on screens with 32 μm mesh openings were found at deep sea stations. The number of meiofauna in the top 0-1, 1-2, and 2-4 cm segments constituted 84.4% of the total and was significantly higher than those in the bottom 4-6 and 6-10 cm segments (F=15, p<0.01).
The metazoan meiofauna in the Chukchi Sea were collected from seven shallow water stations (depths ranging 46 to 52 m) and five deep sea stations (depths ranging between 393 and 2 300 m) during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition in 2010. The results showed that abundance of meiofauna was higher in shallow water sediments (average of 2 445 ind./(10 cm2)) than in deep sea sediments (407.06 ind./(10 cm2)). A UNIANOVA test for difference between the two different regions was highly significant (F=101.15, p<0.01). Nematodes were numerically dominant, representing (96.6±4.6)% of the total meiofaunal abundance at the shallow water stations and (98.90±1.42)% at deep sea stations. The number of higher taxonomic groups and abundance of meiofauna were higher at Stas CC1, CC4, and R06 near the Bering Strait and the continent, than at the rest of the shallow water and deep sea stations. The primary factors causing the differences were concentrations of nutrients P and Si of bottom seawater (R=0.831, p<0.003), followed by depth (R=-0.655, p<0.05) and sand fractions of sediments (R=0.632, p <0.05). The numbers of meiofauna on the 65 μm and 32 μm sieves were significantly higher than those on the rest of the screens. Differences in numbers of meiofauna retained on screens with different mesh openings were highly significant among all sampling stations (F=31.60, p<0.01). The highest numbers of individuals on screens with 32 μm mesh openings were found at deep sea stations. The number of meiofauna in the top 0-1, 1-2, and 2-4 cm segments constituted 84.4% of the total and was significantly higher than those in the bottom 4-6 and 6-10 cm segments (F=15, p<0.01).
2014, 33(6): 95-102.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0494-6
Abstract:
Fifty-seven stations (48 grid stations and nine stratified stations) were sampled across the study region (67.000°-88.394°N, 152.500°-178.643°W) during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 4) from July to August 2010 by the icebreaker R/V Xuelong. A total of 24 species of Hydromedusae were identified from 130 zooplankton samples, of which seven species belonged to Automedusa, eight species to Anthomedusae, four species to Leptomedudae, and three species to Siphonophora. Catablema multicirratum Kishinouye, 1910, Bougainvillia bitentaculata Uchida, 1925, and Euphysa japonica (Maas, 1909) were recorded for the first time in the Arctic sea. In the present paper, 18 species of Hydromedusae were described and illustrated, of which three species were described for the first time in the Arctic sea, and 15 species were described for the first time in China.
Fifty-seven stations (48 grid stations and nine stratified stations) were sampled across the study region (67.000°-88.394°N, 152.500°-178.643°W) during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 4) from July to August 2010 by the icebreaker R/V Xuelong. A total of 24 species of Hydromedusae were identified from 130 zooplankton samples, of which seven species belonged to Automedusa, eight species to Anthomedusae, four species to Leptomedudae, and three species to Siphonophora. Catablema multicirratum Kishinouye, 1910, Bougainvillia bitentaculata Uchida, 1925, and Euphysa japonica (Maas, 1909) were recorded for the first time in the Arctic sea. In the present paper, 18 species of Hydromedusae were described and illustrated, of which three species were described for the first time in the Arctic sea, and 15 species were described for the first time in China.
2014, 33(6): 103-111.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0495-5
Abstract:
CHEMTAX analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment was conducted to study phytoplankton community structure in the northern Bering Sea shelf, where a seasonal subsurface cold pool emerges. The results showed that fucoxanthin (Fuco) and chlorophyll a (Chl a) were the most abundant diagnostic pigments, with the integrated water column values ranging from 141 to 2 160 μg/m2 and 477 to 5 535 μg/m2, respectively. Moreover, a diatom bloom was identified at Sta. BB06 with the standing stock of Fuco up to 9 214 μg/m3. The results of CHEMTAX suggested that the phytoplankton community in the northern Bering Sea shelf was dominated by diatoms and chrysophytes with an average relative contribution to Chl a of 80% and 12%, respectively, followed by chlorophytes, dinoflagellates, and cryptophytes. Diatoms were the absolutely dominant algae in the subsurface cold pool with a relative contribution exceeding 90%, while the contribution of chrysophytes was generally higher in oligotrophic upper water. Additionally, the presence of a cold pool would tend to favor accumulation of diatom biomass and a bloom that occurred beneath the halocline would be beneficial to organic matter sinks, which suggests that a large part of the phytoplankton biomass would settle to the seabed and support a rich benthic biomass.
CHEMTAX analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment was conducted to study phytoplankton community structure in the northern Bering Sea shelf, where a seasonal subsurface cold pool emerges. The results showed that fucoxanthin (Fuco) and chlorophyll a (Chl a) were the most abundant diagnostic pigments, with the integrated water column values ranging from 141 to 2 160 μg/m2 and 477 to 5 535 μg/m2, respectively. Moreover, a diatom bloom was identified at Sta. BB06 with the standing stock of Fuco up to 9 214 μg/m3. The results of CHEMTAX suggested that the phytoplankton community in the northern Bering Sea shelf was dominated by diatoms and chrysophytes with an average relative contribution to Chl a of 80% and 12%, respectively, followed by chlorophytes, dinoflagellates, and cryptophytes. Diatoms were the absolutely dominant algae in the subsurface cold pool with a relative contribution exceeding 90%, while the contribution of chrysophytes was generally higher in oligotrophic upper water. Additionally, the presence of a cold pool would tend to favor accumulation of diatom biomass and a bloom that occurred beneath the halocline would be beneficial to organic matter sinks, which suggests that a large part of the phytoplankton biomass would settle to the seabed and support a rich benthic biomass.
The distribution of chlorophyll a and its influencing factors in different regions of the Bering Sea
2014, 33(6): 112-119.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0496-4
Abstract:
The distribution of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and its relationships with physical and chemical parameters in different regions of the Bering Sea were discussed in July 2010. The results showed the seawater column Chl a concentrations were 13.41-553.89 mg/m2 and the average value was 118.15 mg/m2 in the study areas. The horizontal distribution of Chl a varied remarkably from basin to shelf in the Bering Sea. The regional order of Chl a concentrations from low to high was basin, slope, outer shelf, inner shelf, and middle shelf. The vertical distribution of Chl a was grouped mainly from single-peak type in basin, slope, outer shelf, and middle shelf, where the deep Chl a maxima (DCM) layer was observed at 25-50 m, 30-35 m, 36-44 m, and 37-47 m, respectively. The vertical distribution of Chl a mainly had three basic patterns: standard single-peak type, surface maximum type, and bottom maximum type in the inner shelf. The analysis also showed that the transportation of ocean currents may control the distribution of Chl a, and the effects were not simple in the basin of the Bering Sea. There was a positive correlation between Chl a and temperature, but no significant correlation between Chl a and nutrients. The Bering Sea slope was an area deeply influenced by slope current. Silicate was the factor that controlled the distribution of Chl a within parts of the water in the slope. Light intensity was an important environmental factor in controlling seawater column Chl a in the shelf, where Chl a was limited by nitrate rather than phosphate within the upper water. Meanwhile, there was a positive relationship between Chl a and salinity. Algal blooms broke out at Sta. B6 of the southwestern St. Lawrence Island and Stas F6 and F11 in the middle of the Bering Strait.
The distribution of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and its relationships with physical and chemical parameters in different regions of the Bering Sea were discussed in July 2010. The results showed the seawater column Chl a concentrations were 13.41-553.89 mg/m2 and the average value was 118.15 mg/m2 in the study areas. The horizontal distribution of Chl a varied remarkably from basin to shelf in the Bering Sea. The regional order of Chl a concentrations from low to high was basin, slope, outer shelf, inner shelf, and middle shelf. The vertical distribution of Chl a was grouped mainly from single-peak type in basin, slope, outer shelf, and middle shelf, where the deep Chl a maxima (DCM) layer was observed at 25-50 m, 30-35 m, 36-44 m, and 37-47 m, respectively. The vertical distribution of Chl a mainly had three basic patterns: standard single-peak type, surface maximum type, and bottom maximum type in the inner shelf. The analysis also showed that the transportation of ocean currents may control the distribution of Chl a, and the effects were not simple in the basin of the Bering Sea. There was a positive correlation between Chl a and temperature, but no significant correlation between Chl a and nutrients. The Bering Sea slope was an area deeply influenced by slope current. Silicate was the factor that controlled the distribution of Chl a within parts of the water in the slope. Light intensity was an important environmental factor in controlling seawater column Chl a in the shelf, where Chl a was limited by nitrate rather than phosphate within the upper water. Meanwhile, there was a positive relationship between Chl a and salinity. Algal blooms broke out at Sta. B6 of the southwestern St. Lawrence Island and Stas F6 and F11 in the middle of the Bering Strait.
