Fate of Warm Pacific Water in the Arctic Basin

Pacific Summer Water (PSW) plays a critical role in the ecosystem of western Arctic Ocean, impacting sea-ice melt and providing freshwater to basin. Most water exits Chukchi Sea shelf through Barrow Canyon, but manner which this occurs ultimate fate remain uncertain. Using an extensive collection historical hydrographic velocity data, we demonstrate how PSW outflow depends on different wind conditions, dictating whether warm progresses eastward or westward away from canyon. The current carrying along continental slope splits into branches, influenced by strength extent Beaufort Gyre, while penetration shelfbreak is limited. Our results provide first broad-scale view transferred basin, highlighting winds, boundary currents, eddy exchange.