Impact of typhoons on the Changjiang plume extension in the Yellow and East China Seas. Issue 6 (21st June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Joon Ho; Moon, Il‐Ju; Moon, Jae‐Hong; Kim, Sung‐Hun; Jeong, Yeong Yun; Koo, Jun‐Ho
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 122:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 4962
• Page End: 4973
• Publication Date: 2017-06-21
• Subjects: Changjiang plumes -- Typhoons -- salinity distribution -- vertical mixing -- Jeju Island -- Yellow and East China Sea; Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1002/2017JC012754
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9275

Abstract

Abstract: It is well known that river discharges, winds, ocean currents, and tides are major dynamical factors that determine the distribution and extension of the Changjiang plume (CP) in the Yellow and East China Seas (YECS). Using observations and numerical experiments, this study demonstrates that, in addition to these factors, typhoons in the YECS also play a crucial role in the extension of the CP during the summer season. The hydrographic data observed at the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) and by a research vessel during the period of Typhoons Ewiniar (0603) and Dianmu (1004) showed that the typhoon‐induced strong vertical mixing modified spatial distribution of the CP significantly, resulting in the delay of the CP's extension by as much as up to 20 days. A series of numerical experiments for Typhoon Dianmu also showed that the typhoon plays a blocking role for the extension of CP for up to 17 days through the vertical mixing process and the change of background winds. In particular, it is found that the delay due to Dianmu in 2010 contributed to the avoidance of potential mass mortality of marine life by preventing the low‐salinity water from spreading to the aquaculture regions near Jeju Island. Key Points: Typhoons in the Yellow and East China Seas play a crucial role in the Changjiang plume extension during summer Typhoons contributed to the delay of the Changjiang plume extension near Jeju Island up to 20 days Typhoons prohibited the Changjiang plume from spreading to the coastal cultivating region