Temporal and spatial variability of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass in the southeastern Yellow Sea, 2009 to 2011

Abstract

We analyzed hydrographic data obtained during 2009-2011 to understand the spatiotemporal variation of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) in the southeastern Yellow Sea. In April 2011, warm and saline water (T>10℃, S>34 psu) occupied the deepest water depths in the southeastern area of the Yellow Sea. This distinct warm and saline event was induced by strong northerly wind of the previous winter which triggered the intrusion of warm, saline water of Kuroshio origin from the East China Sea to the Yellow Sea. In August 2011, relatively warm and saline water was also detected in the lower layer near the central area of the Yellow Sea. The saline event of August 2011 cannot be explained by the typhoon but only by the intrusion of saline waters during the previous winter. We conclude that the properties of the YSCWM are mainly determined during the previous winter and then modified by the intrusion of warm and saline water in spring.