Variability of the YSCWM and the sea water exchange between the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea

Abstract

The Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass has an important effect on marine ecosystems. For example, the copepod Calanus sinicus, the most dominant and important zooplankton in the Yellow Sea, prefers cold water and stays in the YSCWM during summer. Therefore, understanding the variability of the YSCWM is the key to understanding variations in the YS marine environment. In this study, the circulation in the Yellow and East China Seas is investigated to understand the sea water exchange between the YS and the ECS.herefore, understanding the variability of the YSCWM is the key to understanding variations in the YS marine environment. In this study, the circulation in the Yellow and East China Seas is investigated to understand the sea water exchange between the YS and the ECS.