In this project, the PIs will measure and interpret Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) concentrations during a hydrographic survey of the Japan/East Sea (JES), which has been funded by the Office of Naval Research. Two surveys are planned, one in the southern part of the JES on the R/V Melville, and one in the northern part on a Russian vessel. Due to relatively shallow sills and the deep interior, much of the JES is isolated from exchange with the adjoining North Pacific. At depths greater than about 500 meters, the very small variations in temperature and salinity make it difficult to resolve deep circulation and ventilation. Recent preliminary measurements reveal significant amounts of CFCs in the deep water, which suggest that more focused studies would contribute substantially to understanding the region.
