Subtidal Variability in the Northern South China Sea During Spring 2001

Abstract

The Asian Seas International Acoustics Experiment (ASIAEX) conducted in April and May of 2001 helped researchers take a major step in understanding the circulation of the northern South China Sea. This region crosses one of the primary sea lanes of communication between Chinese submarine bases and the Pacific theater, therefore making it an extremely valuable source of knowledge for the United States Navy. This thesis provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the mesoscale variability in the South China Sea during spring 2001 using observational data from the ASIAEX experiment. An array of moorings (S1-S8) equipped with ADCPs, pressure gauges, temperature and salinity sensors, and current meters, was placed between the southern tip of Taiwan and Dongsha Island (Pratis Reef). Data results show that significant mesoscale features existed in the South China Sea. Mean currents over the continental shelf were found to be primarily wind driven while flows over the continental slope were forced by the mesoscale features. The South China Sea Warm Current was observed twice over the slope during ASIAEX. A cyclonic meander of the northern gyre propagated onshore and southwest near S7. Tropical Cyclone Cimaron set up a pressure driven flow towards the southwest along the continental shelf, suggesting that a storm this size can influence the circulation in the entire South China Sea. Model results from the Northern South China Sea Nowcast/Forecast System were compared to the observational data. The model gave a good description of the big picture in the South China Sea but was unable to resolve the smaller-scale events. The model was too constrained by topography and had a distinct offset of the alongshore component most likely imposed on by open boundary forcing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA435592

Entities

People

  • Megan D. Weller

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bodies Of Water
  • Continental Shelves
  • Continental Slopes
  • Navy
  • North Pacific Ocean
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Philippine Sea
  • Pressure Gages
  • Seabed
  • South China Sea
  • Topography
  • Tropical Cyclones
  • Underwater Acoustics
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Oceanography.