Session9: State and variability of the Okhotsk Sea: Physics, chemistry and ecosystem
Conveners: Vyacheslav Lobanov, Jun Nishioka, Jing Zhang
Session description:
Physical and biogeochemical processes in the Okhotsk Sea have a significant impact on the entire North Pacific. The hydrometeorological conditions of the sea have drastic seasonal variations. The severe winter provides the largest ice cover and controls the formation of slope convection and deep water. The enormous runoff of the Amur River, strong tidal mixing, atmospheric deposition and intense water exchange with the Pacific and adjacent basins control the physical and chemical properties of the Okhotsk Sea. The sea is known as the origin of Pacific Intermediate Water, which flows out through the Kuril Straits and spreads far to the south and east. The Okhotsk Sea is one of the most severely affected areas in the global ocean by climate change and anthropogenic impacts. In recent decades, many international projects have focused on the Okhotsk Sea and its impact on the North Pacific, which have made significant progress. This session will summarize and share current knowledge and experience in hydrodynamics, biogeochemistry, ecosystem of the Okhotsk Sea and their variability at different scales, and discuss future research directions in this region.
Session description:
Physical and biogeochemical processes in the Okhotsk Sea have a significant impact on the entire North Pacific. The hydrometeorological conditions of the sea have drastic seasonal variations. The severe winter provides the largest ice cover and controls the formation of slope convection and deep water. The enormous runoff of the Amur River, strong tidal mixing, atmospheric deposition and intense water exchange with the Pacific and adjacent basins control the physical and chemical properties of the Okhotsk Sea. The sea is known as the origin of Pacific Intermediate Water, which flows out through the Kuril Straits and spreads far to the south and east. The Okhotsk Sea is one of the most severely affected areas in the global ocean by climate change and anthropogenic impacts. In recent decades, many international projects have focused on the Okhotsk Sea and its impact on the North Pacific, which have made significant progress. This session will summarize and share current knowledge and experience in hydrodynamics, biogeochemistry, ecosystem of the Okhotsk Sea and their variability at different scales, and discuss future research directions in this region.