The northern North Pacific, especially its western part, has been attracting attention of chemical oceanographers because of its importance in global biogeochemical cycles of carbon and its related materials, which have a great impact to the climate change of the earth. In addition, physical oceanographers have been interested in that region with respect to the formation of the North Pacific Intermediate Water. Despite its importance, there has been few systematic survey and time-series observation of biogeochemical processes in the area to estimate the impact of high latitude seas on the global climate change.

Based on the above—mentioned goal, time-series observational stations including stations NPSG (50N, 165E) and KNOT (44N, 155E) were set. During cruise, time-series observational mooring systems will be recovered and deployed. In addition, seawater, aerosol, suspended materials and plankton will be collected. Vertical profiles of salinity and temperature will be measured by XBT and XCTD. Bottom sediment will be taken using a multiple corer and piston corer.

25 Aug. 2002 〜 6 Nov. 2002 (74days)
The actual duration of field experiments in the North Pacific
11 Oct. 2002 〜 6 Nov.2002 (27days)