Import of Atlantic Water and sea ice controls the ocean environment in the northern Barents Sea

Abstract. The northern Barents Sea is a cold, seasonally ice-covered Arctic shelf sea region that has experienced major warming and ice loss in recent decades. Here, 2-year observational record from two ocean moorings provides new knowledge about the seasonal hydrographic variability exchange across its margin. combined records of temperature, salinity, currents show advection warmer saltier waters Atlantic origin into north. source these water masses Water boundary current flows along continental slope north Svalbard. Time-varying southward inflow through cross-shelf troughs was main driver cycle temperature at moorings. Inflows were intensified autumn early winter, some cases occurring below cover halocline water. On shorter timescales, subtidal correlated with large-scale meridional atmospheric pressure gradient, suggesting wind-driven modulation inflow. mooring also import lasting impact on upper ocean, where salinity stratification are strongly affected by amount melted area. A fresh layer separated surface warm mid-depth following large imports 2019, whereas diluted found close to during episodes 2018 long ice-free period. Thus, advective surrounding areas both key drivers region.