Abstract
The main features of the general circulation in the region of the Bering Strait are summarized. This flow has been simulated by a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, which is briefly described with some emphasis on the initial and boundary conditions. The modelled vertical velocity field is analysed. First, it is suggested to regard the vertical velocity as the sum of two components, namely the upsloping and the upwelling velocity. Next, the fields of upwelling and upsloping velocity are examined and it is seen that the vertical motions predicted by the model are qualitatively in agreement with the existence of a cold water plume downstream of the Anadyr Strait. Finally, a successful attempt is made to explain the upwelling phenomena found in the model results by a mechanism which relies on the velocity veering induced by the bottom stress, is independent of wind forcing, and is inspired by the classical theory of Ekman pumping.