The synoptic variation of Yellow Sea Warm Current in winter and its mechanisms
International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow
ISSN: 0961-5539
Article publication date: 28 November 2018
Issue publication date: 8 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the basin-scale features and mechanisms of the synoptic variation of Yellow Sea Warm Current (YSWC) in winter.
Design/methodology/approach
Both in situ current observation and numerical model (MITgcm) were conducted to investigate the synoptic variation of YSWC. The model was well validated and the simulated results were analyzed.
Findings
The YSWC shows a much stronger synoptic variation than its mean in winter with strong variation mainly in the deep central YS. The synoptic variation of YSWC is associated a counterclockwise rotary wave as a response to the strong northerly wind bursts. Strong northerly wind generates a large sea surface height (SSH) drop in the Bohai Sea and northern YS. Then, the SSH rotates in a counterclockwise manner. About 18 h later, strong eastward SSH gradient is formed, generating a northward current through geostrophic balance.
Originality/value
The mechanisms analysis shows that the synoptic variation of YSWC is intrinsically linked to SSH as a response to the synoptic varying winter monsoon. This study provides an insight into the spatial and temporal evolution of the oceanic response to strong northerly wind in winter.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank Dr Zhanhong Wan from Zhejiang University for improving the manuscript structure. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41276028, 41621064, 11572283).
Citation
Li, Z., Huang, D., Xing, C. and Lü, X. (2019), "The synoptic variation of Yellow Sea Warm Current in winter and its mechanisms", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 724-737. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-05-2018-0255
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited