The use of satellite infrared imagery in the oceanographic study of the chukchi Sea

Oceanographic measurements in the Chukchi Sea during the past four years have shown large variations in temperature and salinity distributions. These variations can be attributed to seasonal differences and to the measurements´ proximity to the marginal ice zone. The major seasonal change is a summer intrusion of water through Bering Strait - one that is sometimes concentrated along the coast of Alaska, and at other times is spread all across the Chukchi Sea in a 10-meter thick surface layer. Infrared imagery from a NOAA satellite has recently been used to measure surface temperatures for the entire area. With this technique, the intruding water (8 to 10°C) and the existing winter water (-2 to 0°C) are easily differentiated, even after considerable mixing. The combination of such satellite information with oceanographic cruise data provides a valuable method for studying the pattern of water movement in the Arctic.