Strong Currents Research Articles

Sodium-Selective Channelrhodopsins

Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels originally discovered in algae and are commonly used in neuroscience for controlling the electrical activity of neurons with high precision. Initially-discovered ChRs were non-selective cation channels, allowing the flow of multiple ions, such as Na+, K+, H+, and Ca2+, leading to membrane depolarization and triggering action potentials in neurons. As the field of optogenetics has evolved, ChRs with more specific ion selectivity were discovered or engineered, offering more precise optogenetic manipulation. This review highlights the natural occurrence and engineered variants of sodium-selective channelrhodopsins (NaChRs), emphasizing their importance in optogenetic applications. These tools offer enhanced specificity in Na+ ion conduction, reducing unwanted effects from other ions, and generating strong depolarizing currents. Some of the NaChRs showed nearly no desensitization upon light illumination. These characteristics make them particularly useful for experiments requiring robust depolarization or direct Na+ ion manipulation. The review further discusses the molecular structure of these channels, recent advances in their development, and potential applications, including a proposed drug delivery system using NaChR-expressing red blood cells that could be triggered to release therapeutic agents upon light activation. This review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on expanding the use of NaChRs in both basic research and clinical settings.

Effect of Calcium on the Characteristics of Action Potential Under Different Electrical Stimuli

This study investigates the role of calcium ions in the release of action potentials by comparing two models based on the framework: the standard HH model and a HH + Ca model that incorporates calcium ion channels. Purkinje cells’ responses to four types of electrical current stimuli—constant direct current, step current, square wave current, and sine current—were simulated to analyze the impact of calcium on action potential characteristics. The results indicate that, under the constant direct current stimulation, the action potential firing frequency of both models increased with the escalating current intensity, while the delay time of the first action potential decreased. However, when the current intensity exceeded a specific threshold, the peak amplitude of the action potential gradually diminished. The HH + Ca model exhibited a longer delay in the first action potential compared to the HH model but maintained an action potential release under stronger currents. In response to the step current, both models showed an increased action potential frequency with a higher current, but the HH + Ca model generated subthreshold oscillations under weak currents. With the square wave current, the action potential frequency increased, though the HH + Ca model experienced suppression under high-frequency weak currents. Under the sine current, the action potential frequency rose, with the HH + Ca model showing less depression near the sine peak due to calcium’s role in modulating membrane potential. These findings suggest that calcium ions contribute to a more stable action potential release under varying stimuli.

Behaviours of Sea Turtles in Shipwrecks in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Shipwrecks are one of the most common types of artificial reefs. They are home to several sea creatures, including sea turtles. Here, we aim to understand the relationship between sea turtles and shipwrecks by investigating species occurrence, behaviours and food availability in artificial reefs in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. To map sea turtle occurrence in shipwrecks, we considered data from the literature, and we inspected 54,145 photos resulting from 867 recreational dives performed in 19 shipwrecks. We then selected four wrecks for systematic behavioural observations through 97 h and 56 min of passive video recordings. We also investigated potential food resources for turtles in these shipwrecks. We identified three turtle species (i.e., Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata and Caretta caretta), but most records were juvenile Chelonia mydas individuals using conserved wrecks. We recorded nine behaviours. ‘Resting’ was the predominant activity for all three species, representing over 60% of the records for all species. Their overall activity pattern varied. The wrecks were predominantly encrusted with ascidia, octocoral, sponge and algae—organisms that are part of sea turtles' diet. We highlight the ecological role of the shipwrecks for sea turtles since they may serve as shelter (especially for the juveniles of Chelonia mydas), potentially protecting them against predators and strong currents. The wrecks may also serve as potential feeding areas for sea turtles. We reinforce the need to establish appropriate regulations for recreational dive tourism in shipwrecks in Brazil to avoid disturbing sea turtles in this ecologically important artificial reef.

Exploring morphometry, hydrodynamics, and surface sediment composition in Khenifiss lagoon: Insights from a shallow coastal environment in Southern Morocco

Coastal lagoons are widely recognized as highly dynamic and intricate ecosystems within coastal environments, playing a crucial role in supporting both human communities and biodiversity. However, these coastal ecosystems are confronted with a multitude of challenges stemming from both natural phenomena and human activities. Hence, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of coastal lagoon dynamics is imperative for safeguarding and ensuring the sustainability of these ecosystems, relying on discerning the intricate interplay between hydrodynamic and sedimentological factors and processes. In Morocco, the Khenifiss lagoon is recognized as the largest lagoon and the most significant wetland along the Atlantic coast, designated as a protected area under the Ramsar Convention since 1980. However, the lagoon is confronted with the challenge of inlet and channel narrowing due to heightened sediment transport and accumulation toward its interior, along with dune advancement. This paper aims to establish correlations between morphometry, hydrodynamic conditions, and surface sediment composition to categorize the main channel of Khenifiss lagoon according to sedimentary environmental conditions. This categorization aims to delineate zones characterized by high, moderate, and low energy levels. Such classification will offer valuable insights into the dynamic interactions governing the lagoon’s ecosystem by identifying areas prone to resuspension and deposition. The study categorized the main channel of the Khenifiss lagoon into distinct zones based on hydrodynamic conditions. Areas with high energy levels, including the entrance zone and the narrowest central section, featured the highest current velocities, fostering conditions favoring the resuspension of fine materials. Zones with moderate energy levels, such as the downstream main channel and sinuous sections, exhibited moderate current velocities and a predominance of fine sand over medium sand fractions, along with observed reductions in current velocity. Areas characterized by low energy levels, encompassing the upstream main channel, are marked by slower current velocities and shallow depths, facilitating the deposition of fine and very fine sediment. Finally, areas with very low energy and calm conditions, well-protected from strong currents, prevent the reworking of sediments and facilitate their accumulation. This study highlights the importance of integrating sedimentological, hydrodynamic, and morphometric analyses as a valuable approach for monitoring coastal ecosystems and understanding the morphodynamics of coastal lagoons. This approach guides ecosystem management, such as targeted conservation efforts, erosion control, and habitat protection, while also supporting informed coastal development and adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability and protection of the Khenifiss lagoon.

Flow characterization and turbulence in the eastern section of the Strait of Magellan, Southern Chile

The Strait of Magellan connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in South America’s southern region, and it has been recognized for centuries as an important transoceanic navigation route as well as a unique marine environment with a rich ecological diversity. Evaluations of the impact of human activities in the channel and multiple potential future developments require a better understanding of the physical environment to design sustainable strategies aimed at preserving these characteristics. In this investigation, we study the flow near the Atlantic inlet of the Strait where the dynamics is characterized by the interactions of the tide propagation within two narrows, which are the predominant features of the channel morphology. Tides amplified by the Patagonian shelf generate strong currents through these narrows and control the exchange between the Atlantic and central regions of the Strait. We employ bottom-mounted and vessel-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) with tide gauges to analyze the mean flow, tidal propagation, and turbulence, complementing the data with previous available measurements. The analysis reveals residual flows directed toward ebb flow at the channel center and flood near the edges, showing a significant spring-neap variation. Turbulence statistics in the second narrows exhibit a significant variability between ebb and flood, with a balance between production and dissipation observed only during ebb phases.

The calculated voyage: benchmarking optimal strategies and consumptions in the Japanese eel’s spawning migration

Eels migrate along largely unknown routes to their spawning ground. By coupling Zermelo’s navigation solution and data from the Japan Coastal Ocean Predictability Experiment 2 (JCOPE2M), we simulated a range of seasonal scenarios, swimming speeds, and swimming depths to predict paths that minimize migration duration and energy cost. Our simulations predict a trade-off between migration duration and energy cost. Given that eels do not refuel during their migration, our simulations suggest eels should travel at speeds of 0.4–0.6 body-length per second to retain enough energy reserves for reproduction. For real eels without full information of the ocean currents, they cannot optimize their migration in strong surface currents, thus when swimming at slow swimming speeds, they should swim at depths of 200 m or greater. Eels swimming near the surface are also influenced by seasonal factors, however, migrating at greater depths mitigates these effects. While greater depths present more favorable flow conditions, water temperature may become increasingly unfavorable, dropping near or below 5 °C. Our results serve as a benchmark, demonstrating the complex interplay between swimming speed, depth, seasonal factors, migration time, and energy consumption, to comprehend the migratory behaviors of Japanese eels and other migratory fish.

The hovering pontoon trap: The tougher, younger sibling in the pontoon trap family

Trap nets are a large, stationary, and fixed type of passive fishing gear that has traditionally been used for catching fish in shallow coastal environments. Despite their large size, catches are often retrieved using small boats, making them less energy demanding compared to active gear types. This, along with the stationary nature of the trap, allows for fishing with relatively low environmental impact due to minimal disturbance of the benthic community. The combination of minimal benthic impact, live catch, low fuel, and selectivity offers great potential for the development of sustainable coastal fisheries.Here, we describe the development of the hovering pontoon trap, a fishing gear with a robust design to resist strong waves and currents, and usable in both shallow and deep waters to catch both pelagic and benthic species. We present results from early case studies targeting benthic Baltic Sea species, including perch (Percha fluventaliis), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and vendace (Coregonus albula), showing similar or improved catches in relation to earlier studies. Further, we show that the hovering pontoon trap was able to withstand harsher conditions than previous bottom-set models, making it a possible solution for the targeting of benthic fish communities in coastal environments.

Optimal policies for autonomous navigation in strong currents using fast marching trees

Optimal policies for autonomous navigation in strong currents using fast marching trees

Seasonal impacts of Kuroshio intrusion on pico-phytoplankton dynamics near the Changjiang River estuary

The strong western Pacific boundary current of the Kuroshio significantly affects the oceanographic and ecological processes of the East China Sea through its branches. To understand the seasonal variation of Kuroshio intrusion and its ecological effects, 10 cruises were conducted from February 2015 to January 2016 in the waters adjacent to the Changjiang River estuary to collect hydrological data and abundances of phytoplankton assemblages of Prochlorococcus (Pro), Synechococcus (Syn) and picoeukaryotes. High salinity bottom water representing the Nearshore Kuroshio Branch Current (NKBC) appeared in the spring, peaked in the summer, and then almost disappeared at the end of the autumn. During this period, the seasonal variations of Pro and Syn subgroup with lower orange fluorescence (dim type Syn) abundances correlated and synchronized with the intensity of the NKBC intrusion. Water masses analysis further illustrated that the spring was the critical season for NKBC to influence and transport phytoplankton along the pathway to coastal waters. NKBC will further impact the phytoplankton dynamics and ecological processes in this sea area.

A “natural sand plant” at the shelf edge in the low-energy Gulf of Lions, western Mediterranean Sea

Thick sand deposits at the edge of continental shelves, sometimes covered with large bedforms, are generally considered as relict features inherited from periods of low sea level, but alternative interpretations are possible, even in zones where modern oceanic processes are moderate. Detailed investigations in the western Gulf of Lions (western Mediterranean Sea) reveal the presence of remains of Marine Isotope Stage 4 (MIS 4) and MIS 2 shelf-edge deltas at the head of canyons. The sands were then “cannibalized” by strong rising sea-level currents, forming a 20-km-long, strike-oriented sand body covered by dunes. Presently, the migration of dunes is maintained by strong storm-driven currents. The seasonal reversal of circulation is at the origin of inversion of dune morphology, thus the sand body mimics a tidal sand bank with clockwise circulation of bedforms. In the long term, dunes migrate southward with a negative angle of climb, eroding into the underlying shelf-edge deltas. Acoustic Doppler current profiles and numerical simulations indicate that the sediment is sorted, once in suspension, and is flushed to the deep sea while sand bedload contributes to bedform migration. This relative enrichment of sand without external supply is referred to as a “natural sand plant,” by analogy with industrial sand plants where sand is washed and sieved. It forms a discontinuous sand belt, 5−20 m thick, more than 110 km along-strike, connecting multiple shelf-edge deltas. The geological importance of recognizing this recycling mechanism is indicated by the preservation of similarly large buried dunes formed during the deglaciation leading to interglacial MIS 7 at ca. 240 ka (Termination III).

Advanced Anti-icing and Deicing Strategies for Overhead Power Transmission Lines Based on Giant Magnetocaloric Effect of La0.7Ca0.254Sr0.046MnO3.

Perovskite manganates (AMnO3) exhibit diverse structural, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties. Their strong magnetocaloric effect (MCE) near the Curie temperature (TC) makes them ideal for magnetic-thermal anti-icing and deicing in power transmission lines. Below TC, ferromagnetic AMnO3 produces heat through multiple mechanisms, with the changing magnetic field induced by the strong AC current, causing heat through magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents, alongside the direct MCE. Above TC, no heating is generated, as MCE is unfavorable, thus preventing additional energy loss at elevated temperatures. In this work, La0.7Ca0.254Sr0.046MnO3 with TC close to 0 °C were synthesized by solid-state reaction. It is found that particle size >10 μm is beneficial for a large MCE, based on the results of particle size dependence of MCE. The resulting maximum magnetic entropy change at 277 K is 7.69 J·kg-1·K-1, and an adiabatic temperature change of 3.87 K at 277 K is achieved under 5 T. The prototype cable is fabricated using a well-established wire drawing process. A climate-simulation chamber is employed for the anti-icing and deicing experiments. The prototype cables demonstrated a strong capability for deicing and anti-icing. This simple and cost-effective prototype cable shows significant potential for mitigating the icing problem of overhead high-voltage power transmission lines.

Characterisation and subtraction of current flow noise in hydrophone recordings

In the interior of the Ría de Arousa, on the northwest coast of Spain, a hydrophone is installed to provide information on environmental noise, which is very high due to the intense traffic in the area. The hydrophone, together with various oceanographic and meteorological observation equipment, is installed on a floating platform anchored in a very shallow water area with strong tidal currents. These currents cause flow noise that affects the estimation of the noise descriptors established by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The aim of this work is to characterise the current flow noise at the hydrophone in relation to the instantaneous current measured simultaneously at the same location. From this characterisation, the current noise spectrum is defined and subtracted from the recordings prior to the calculation of noise descriptors. This contribution provides details of the analysis of the hydrophone signals, the calculation of the flow noise spectrum as a function of current, the spectral subtraction procedure used and the effect of the subtraction on the calculation of the noise descriptors.

The extremely strong non-neutralized electric currents of the unique solar active region NOAA 13664

Context. In May 2024, the extremely complex active region National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 13664 produced the strongest geomagnetic storm since 2003. Aims.The aim of this study is to explore the development of the extreme magnetic complexity of NOAA 13664 in terms of its photospheric electric current. Methods. The non-neutralized electric current was derived from photospheric vector magnetograms, provided by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. The calculation method is based on image processing, thresholding, and error analysis. The spatial and temporal evolution of the non-neutralized electric current of the region as well as its constituent subregions was examined. For context, a comparison with other complex, flare-prolific active regions is provided. Results. Active region NOAA 13664 was formed by the emergence and interaction of three subregions, two of which were of notable individual complexity. It consisted of numerous persistent, current-carrying magnetic partitions that exhibited periods of conspicuous motions and strongly increasing electric current at many locations within the region. These periods were followed by intense and repeated flaring. The total unsigned non-neutralized electric currents and average injection rates reached 5.95 ⋅ 1013 A and 1.5 ⋅ 1013 A/day, and are the strongest observed so far, significantly surpassing other super-active regions of Solar Cycle 24 and 25. Conclusions. Active region NOAA 13664 presents a unique case of complexity. Further scrutiny of the spatial and temporal variation of the net electric currents during the emergence and development of super-active regions is paramount to understand the origin of complex regions and adverse space weather.

Breaking the burst: Unveiling mechanisms behind fragmented network bursts in patient-derived neurons

Fragmented network bursts (NBs) are observed as a phenotypic driver in many patient-derived neuronal networks on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs), but the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown. Here, we used our previously developed biophysically detailed in silico model to investigate these mechanisms. Fragmentation of NBs in our model simulations occurred only when the level of short-term synaptic depression (STD) was enhanced, suggesting that STD is a key player. Experimental validation with Dynasore, an STD enhancer, induced fragmented NBs in healthy neuronal networks invitro. Additionally, we showed that strong asynchronous neurotransmitter release, NMDA currents, or short-term facilitation (STF) can support the emergence of multiple fragments in NBs by producing excitation that persists after high-frequency firing stops. Our results provide important insights into disease mechanisms and potential pharmaceutical targets for neurological disorders modeled using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons.

Interplanetary Causes and Impacts of the 2024 May Superstorm on the Geosphere: An Overview

The recent superstorm of 2024 May 10–11 is the second largest geomagnetic storm in the space age and the only one that has simultaneous interplanetary data (there were no interplanetary data for the 1989 March storm). The May superstorm was characterized by a sudden impulse (SI+) amplitude of +88 nT, followed by a three-step storm main-phase development, which had a total duration of ∼9 hr. The cause of the first storm main phase with a peak SYM-H intensity of −183 nT was a fast-forward interplanetary shock (magnetosonic Mach number M ms ∼ 7.2) and an interplanetary sheath with a southward interplanetary magnetic field component B s of ∼40 nT. The cause of the second storm's main phase with an SYM-H intensity of −354 nT was a deepening of the sheath B s to ∼43 nT. A magnetosonic wave (M ms ∼ 0.6) compressed the sheath to a high magnetic field strength of ∼71 nT. Intensified B s of ∼48 nT were the cause of the third and most intense storm main phase, with an SYM-H intensity of −518 nT. Three magnetic cloud events with B s fields of ∼25–40 nT occurred in the storm recovery phase, lengthening the recovery to ∼2.8 days. At geosynchronous orbit, ∼76 keV to ∼1.5 MeV electrons exhibited ∼1–3 orders of magnitude flux decreases following the shock/sheath impingement onto the magnetosphere. The cosmic-ray decreases at Dome C, Antarctica (effective vertical cutoff rigidity <0.01 GV) and Oulu, Finland (rigidity ∼0.8 GV) were ∼17% and ∼11%, respectively, relative to quiet-time values. Strong ionospheric current flows resulted in extreme geomagnetically induced currents of ∼30–40 A in the subauroral region. The storm period is characterized by strong polar-region field-aligned currents, with ∼10 times intensification during the main phase and equatorward expansion down to ∼50° geomagnetic (altitude-adjusted) latitude.

Plastic recovery and strength enhancement of pre-deformed AZ31B magnesium alloy using transient strong pulse current

Magnesium alloy components are mainly used in aerospace and automotive fields, but poor deformation ability at room temperature restricts their application in other industries. To address this issue, electrically-assisted technology is employed to enhance plasticity of alloys. However, conventional method weaken strength and intensify surface oxidation of such alloys because of prolonged action of current. In view of the above, pre-deformation (PF) treatment in combination with transient induced pulse current treatment (TIPCT) is proposed in the present work so as to balance between plasticity recovery and strength of AZ31B alloy. The results show that the total elongation of PF sample and the corresponding TIPCT specimen first increases and then decreases with the increase in PF percentage under the same voltage. At the same PF percentage, the total elongation of PF and TIPCT specimens also presents the same trend as the voltage increases. At the same time, the total elongation in PF and TIPCT specimens is greater than that of the as-received sample. The maximum total elongation is achieved at the PF percentage of 16% and the voltage of 6kV, being 35% higher than that in the as-received sample. The improvement in total elongation is due to activation of more non-basal dislocations induced by TIPCT and the appropriate amount of microcracks generated by PF. In addition, the TIPCT process also improves the yield strength even if the PF percentage and voltage are changed. Besides that, the work hardening induced by PF treatment and instantaneous action of TIPCT process are the key factors enhancing yield strength. Moreover, comprehensive mechanical properties of TIPCT sample are found to outperform those after direct pulse current treatment (DPCT) under the same PF percentage. Therefore, the proposed composite process provides a feasible scheme to enhance strength and elongation of Mg sheets.

Kuroshio path variability inferred from satellite-derived sea surface topography in the northwestern Pacific

The Kuroshio has a fundamental impact on the regional oceanography of the northwestern Pacific. But identification of the Kuroshio path (KP), an abstraction of the course along which the Kuroshio mainstream moves, has not yet been established in a systematic manner. We optimally track the KP and study its variability in the northwestern Pacific south of ~31°N, where eddy activity is rich. An automatic contour method based on maximum surface geostrophic velocity along a given satellite-derived dynamic topographic isoline is applied and its performance is evaluated. Our results are robust and can be further used to derive kinematical, statistical, and spectral properties of the flow field of the Kuroshio upstream. We improve the identification method by tracing two separate KPs in different subdomains. The existence of an alignment or mismatch of these two retrieved KPs hints at the arrival of an approaching eddy. The highly variable and distorted KP east of Luzon Strait and Taiwan is due to eddy impingement. Most of the variability along the KP stems from energy with time scales of ~30–200 days and 1 year. A more consistent KP is seen north of ~26°N, with increasing surface currents of up to ~1 m s−1 before entering through the Tokara Strait. Such regional differences result from the various impacts of impinging mesoscale eddies on the Kuroshio, mainly due to blockage by the Ryukyu Islands. Our optimally determined KP is in line with the historical shipborne subsurface velocity measurements revealing the Kuroshio velocity core and observations of strong surface currents of > ~0.5 m s−1 by shore-based high-frequency radar (HFR) from locations along the east coast of Taiwan. Supportive evidence of concurrent KP distortion shows that HFR-derived vortex-like flow patterns are related to mesoscale eddies impinging from regions east of the radar footprint. Our work has value as a supplement to the data from radar operational routines, and will help interpret and diagnose these complicated HFR observations east of Taiwan.

Convergence and divergence of storm waves induced by multi-scale currents: Observations and coupled wave-current modeling

Current effects on waves (CEW) are among the most intricate physical processes in wave evolution. In this study, we used a coupled wave-tide-circulation model for the Northwest Atlantic to investigate current effects on storm waves during Hurricane Igor in 2010. Validated with extensive buoy and altimeter data, the inclusion of CEW in the model significantly improves the accuracy in simulating significant wave heights (Hs) by up to 21.3% for a wave buoy. Storm waves experience significant temporal and spatial modulation by multi-scale currents. Storm-driven currents have the most pronounced impact to the right of the storm track, which typically align with wave propagation and reduce Hs by up to 12.1%. The subsequent near-inertial oscillations induce temporal fluctuations of wave convergence and divergence at near-inertial frequencies, which also occurs in regions with strong tidal currents but at tidal frequencies. Furthermore, storm waves are modulated by the Gulf Stream, Labrador Current and associated mesoscale eddies. Overall, these multi-scales yield strong effects on storm waves (Hs > 3.0 m), significantly modulating Hs (−25.2%–+55.4%) and mean wave periods (−14.9%–+15.7%). The mean wave energy power shows more significant modulation by multi-scale currents, reflecting the combined effects of changing wave states and current-induced transport of wave energy. CEW are governed by the interactive dynamic and kinematic effects. The relative wind effect is the primary mechanism for lower storm waves by reducing energy input to waves and influences downstream wave states. Among kinematic effects, current-induced wave refraction typically plays a dominant role in redistributing wave energy. This study systematically quantified the modulation of storm waves by multi-scale currents and revealed the underlying mechanisms, providing a comprehensive understanding of extreme wave states under coupled ocean dynamics.

Numerical investigation on behaviour of mooring line system for container ship at berth

The constant growth of the world’s maritime industry has led to the need to increase the size of ships as wellas accelerate the trend of moving ports to open sea areas and outside estuaries. Increasing the size of ships,especially container ships, has the potential to cause unsafe ship anchoring in ports. Furthermore, the mooringof ships at the harbor also lacks international guidelines on the layout of the mooring system. Meanwhile, relocating seaports outside estuaries and open seas can create conditions for high winds, high tidal fluctuationsand strong currents to penetrate the port basin. This paper presents a study using the MIKE 21 MA numericalmodel to determine the most optimal mooring layout for a container ship as well as clarify the influence offactors (wind, current, water level and ship’s draft) on the tension force of the mooring lines. The most optimal mooring layout in the study scenarios was uncovered from the simulation results. In addition, wind wasidentified as the factor with the greatest influence on the tension force of the mooring system.

Regulation of Ocean Surface Currents and Seasonal Sea Ice Variations on the Occurrence and Transport of Organophosphate Esters in the Central Arctic Ocean.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been observed in the remote Arctic Ocean, yet the influence of hydrodynamics and seasonal sea ice variations on the occurrence and transport of waterborne OPEs remains unclear. This study comprehensively examines OPEs in surface seawater of the central Arctic Ocean during the summer of 2020, integrating surface ocean current and sea ice concentration data. The results confirm significant spatiotemporal variations of the OPEs, with the total concentration of seven major OPEs averaging 780 ± 970 pg/L. Chlorinated OPEs, particularly tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), were dominant. The significant impact of hydrodynamics on the OPE transport is demonstrated by higher OPE concentrations in regions with strong surface currents, especially at the edge of the Beaufort Gyre and the confluence of the Beaufort Gyre and the Transpolar Drift. Furthermore, OPE levels were generally higher in drifting-ice-covered regions compared to ice-free regions, attributed to the volatilization of dissolved OPEs formerly trapped below the sea ice or newly released from melting snow and sea ice. Notably, TCPP decreased by only 19% in the ice-free area, while the more volatile triphenyl phosphate decreased by 63% compared with the partial ice region.