Structure and Dynamics of Waters in the Region of the Shantar Islands National Park (Sea of Okhotsk) Based on the Data of Satellite Observations

Abstract

The Shantar Islands National Park (northwestern shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk) was established to preserve the biological diversity of unique natural marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The water structure and dynamics in the basin of the Shantar Islands has been studied based on the analysis of multisensor satellite images (Terra/Aqua MODIS, Landsat-7 ETM+, Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS, Sentinel-2A MSI) and field oceanographic observations. The circulation over the shelf in the Shantar Islands region is strongly determined by strong tidal currents and freshwater discharge. The water structure is formed under the influence of intense local tidal mixing and the propagation of low-saline river plumes in the shallow parts of the main bays of the Shantar archipelago. The interaction of tidal currents with the complex topography and bathymetry (peninsulas, capes, islands, straits, and shallow-water regions of the shelf) leads to a high level of submesoscale activity and the generation of various types of submesoscale structures, including jet currents and eddies.