Recent observations of variability in the western Bering Sea current system

Data from two cruises in the western Bering Sea are presented and examined. During spring 1990, conditions were typical, and the Kamchatka Current had a transport of ∼11 Sv. On the other hand, during fall 1990, this flow had weakened to ∼6 Sv, although a strong flow near the Komandorski Islands occurred. Various eddylike features were common during both cruises and were particularly developed in fall. Although some aspects of the flow patterns may be seasonal in nature, the major weakening of transport probably represents an interannual change.