Influence of the Yukon River on the Bering Sea

• Main Authors: Dean, K., Mcroy, C. P.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1987
• Subjects: OCEANOGRAPHY; Yukon; Bering Sea; Norton Sound; Yukon river
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19870010444

The distribution of near-surface, turbid water, discharged by the Yukon River, was studied based on analysis of satellite imagery. The interannual analyses indicates that the net flow of near-surface, turbid water is northward of the delta across the entrance to Norton Sound. Only turbid water to the east enters Norton Sound and consists of 25% of the total area. Approximately 10% of the water circulates into the sound along the southern coast and is lost to view in the vicinity of Unalakleet. Suspended sediments transported by this southern circulation are primarily deposited along the southern coast. Three distinct zones within the turbid water were identified based on relative brightness levels. These zones appear to be primarily related to differences in suspended-sediment concentrations and position of the sediments in the water column. The extent of turbid water varies seasonally. It is most extensive June through October even though discharge of the Yukon River decreases substantially after July.