statement of problem 



BuShips problem NE 120221, subtask 3 (NEL 2A5): "Investigate problems in oceanog- 

 raphy through suitably devised methods, means, and equipments." This report presents 

 the results of physical oceanographic observations made in the southeastern Bering Sea 

 during the summer of 1949. 



conclusions 



1. A sharp temperature minimum exists at depths between 100 and 150 meters. It is 

 the result of local winter cooling and convection reinforced by a sluggish arcuate 

 southeasterly flow of cold winter water across the Bering Sea from the Siberian coastal 

 areas. A temperature minimum of this type probably exists throughout the deep Bering 

 Sea in summer. 



2. The computed surface circulation is counterclockwise in the area surveyed with 

 maximum speeds of about 0.3 knot. 



3. Doubt is cast upon the generally accepted conclusion of a northeasterly surface 

 current from between the Komandorski and Near Islands across the central Bering Sea 

 to St. Matthew Island. 



4. A well-developed deep sound channel exists in the deep Bering Sea during summer. 

 The axis, which occurs around 150 meters in depth, is much shallower than generally 

 found in open oceans. 



recommendations 



1. Undertake a program of observation for the central and northwest Bering Sea to 

 determine positively the structure and circulation in those regions. 



2. Utilize the Bering Sea as a location for research investigations involving the hori- 

 zontal refraction of low-frequency signals and their propagation over ridges and from 

 deep into shallow water. 



work summary 



1. A total of 27 water bottle casts, 86 bathythermograms, and 61 surface water 

 samples were taken in the southeastern Bering Sea during the summer of 1949 from 

 HMCS CEDARWOOD. Temperature, salinity, and dissolved-oxygen content were ob- 

 tained at intervals to 1100 meters, in general, with each bottle cast. These data were 

 reduced and analyzed. 



The observational program in the deep Bering Sea was under the scientific direction of 

 Dr. W. M. Cameron, Pacific Oceanographic Group, Canada, now Director of the Institute 

 of Oceanography, University of British Columbia. Personnel participating in the ob- 

 servational program were W. M. Cameron, A. J. Dodimead, R. H. Herlinveaux, and 

 J. P. Tully (stations 23-30), P. O. G., Canada; E. C. LaFond (stations 23-30), R. M. Lesser, 

 J. C. Roque, and J. F. T. Saur, Jr., USNEL. 



It was decided that the data should be reduced at NEL, so the responsibility for the 

 analyses and conclusions lies primarily upon the senior author. 



The cooperation of the officers and men of HMCS CEDARWOOD is gratefully 

 acknowledged. 



This report covers work to January 1952. 



JiSSimCTC P ' - SECURITY INFORMATION 



