Water column in Japan, Okhotsk and Bering Seas is full of oxygen, so subeuphotic zone nitrite cannot be due to denitrification in the water column.
Sediment processes: possibly coupled denitrification and nitrification as suggested by a number of authors. Large-scale effect is of denitrification.
Existence of deep nitrite (in turbid bottom boundary layer): sediment-water interface is wide.
Nitrification (oxidation) could occur in upper interface, producing NO2, using ammonium from decay of organic matter.
Denitrification (reduction) farther down, net downward flux of NO3 out of water column and into sediments.
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