Origins of the Kuroshio and Mindanao Currents
Abstract
The long-term goal of this research is to quantify the processes leading to the bifurcation of the North Equatorial Current (NEC) into the northward flowing Kuroshio and the southward flowing Mindanao Current. The four objectives of this project are as follows: (1) to clarify the dynamic state of the NEC-Kuroshio-Mindanao Current system; (2) to quantify the temporal evolution of the upper ocean temperature and salinity (T/S) fields, the seasonal mixed layer above the pycnocline, and the deeper mode and intermediate waters; (3) to evaluate the upper ocean heat, salt, and potential vorticity budget in the OMKC region; and (4) to improve the predictability of oceanic circulation variability on various time scales in the OKMC region by incorporating in-situ data, including those from profiling float measurements. Profiling floats will be deployed during the duration of the OKMC project. In conjunction, high-quality satellite altimeter sea surface height (SSH) information will be analyzed. By combining the SSH information and profiling float T/S data, we plan to infer the strengths and locations (through dynamic height difference and maximum gradient) of the incoming NEC and the bifurcated Kuroshio and Mindanao Currents. Dynamic height maps from the SSH and float T/S data will be used to put in perspective the temporal and spatial variability of the regional circulation detected by other observational instruments. The broad-scale SSH information will also be used to explore the dynamics for regional variability that is forced remotely in the interior ocean.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA557095
Entities
People
- Bo Qiu
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System