Distribution of iodine-129 in the Japan Sea and the Bering Sea; Oceanographic insights

Suzuki, Takashi; Otosaka, Shigeyoshi*; Kuwabara, Jun; Nishioka, Jun*

no journal, , 

I concentrations in seawater from the Japan Sea and the Bering Sea were measured to evaluate its applicability as an oceanographic tracer. Surface seawater concentrations of I in the Japan Sea were higher than those in the Bering Sea, likely reflecting atmospheric transport patterns of I. Vertical profiles showed decreasing concentrations with depth, and in the Japan Sea, anthropogenic I was observed to reach bottom waters. The total inventory was higher in the Japan Sea, which is attributed to its unique circulation structure and topographic constraints. Furthermore, the turnover time of Japan Sea Bottom Water was estimated to be 200-520 years, demonstrating its usefulness as a tracer for ocean circulation.