Observations of Seasonal Upwelling and Downwelling in the Beaufort Sea Mediated by Sea Ice

Abstract

We present observational estimates of Ekman pumping in the Beaufort Gyre region. Averaged over the Canada Basin, the results show a 2003-14 average of 2.3myr⁻¹ downward with strong seasonal and interannual variability superimposed: monthly and yearly means range from 30myrsu downward to 10myr⁻¹ upward. A clear, seasonal cycle is evident with intense downwelling in autumn and upwelling during the winter months, despite the wind forcing being downwelling favorable year-round. Wintertime upwelling is associated with friction between the large-scale Beaufort Gyre ocean circulation and the surface ice pack and contrasts with previous estimates of yearlong downwelling; as a consequence, the yearly cumulative Ekman pumping over the gyre is significantly reduced. The spatial distribution of Ekman pumping is also modified, with the Beaufort Gyre region showing alternating, moderate upwelling and downwelling, while a more intense, yearlong downwelling averaging 18myr⁻¹ is identified in the northern Chukchi Sea region. Implications of the results for understanding Arctic Ocean dynamics and change are discussed. Keywords: Ocean; Arctic; Arctic Oscillation; Atmosphere-ocean interaction; Ekman pumping/transport; Upwelling/downwelling