Unraveling the Synoptic‐Scale Penetration of the Yellow Sea Coastal Water Into the Changjiang River Estuary. Issue 12 (5th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lian, Ergang; Wang, Shuo; Artigue, Lise; Wu, Hui; Ran, Xiangbin; Zhou, Peng; Lin, Lei; Jin, Xiaobo; Li, Chao; Yang, Shouye
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 127:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-12-05
• Subjects: Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1029/2022JC018773
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9275

Abstract

Abstract: As one of the most important coastal currents in the Northeast Pacific marginal seas, the Yellow Sea Coastal Water (YSCW) plays an essential role in modulating regional ocean circulation and the transregional exchange of biogeochemical materials. However, the wintertime transport pattern of the YSCW and its interaction with the Changjiang River Estuary (CJE) are intensely debated. Herein, we used a combination method of Principal Component Analysis‐based cluster analysis and Optimum Multiparameter Analysis, together with remote sensing data, to investigate the classification, distributions, pathways and mixture ratios of various water masses off the CJE in winter. Results clearly suggest that in winter the YSCW can repeatedly penetrate to the CJE in response to northerly wind bursts, and flows southward around 10–30 m isobaths off the CJE, with its impact scope reaching as far as at least 29.5°N. Furthermore, we propose a refined circulation pattern that the YSCW flows southward along 20–30 m isobaths on the Changjiang Bank, and thereby feeds the synoptic‐scale YSCW penetration into the CJE. Crucially, this work also highlights that the combination methodologies in a mathematic framework is useful for unraveling an implicit synoptic‐scale water mass interaction in highly dynamic estuaries and shelf seas, and thus provides better insight to ecological and environmental variability. Plain Language Summary: The Yellow Sea Coastal Water (YSCW) that carries high turbid and cold water, is a key conduit of the coastal water into the East China Sea under winter monsoon and has significant influence on the regional environment in both physical and biogeochemical aspects. However, the wintertime transport pattern of the YSCW has been intensely debated over the last several decades and its interaction with the Changjiang River Estuary (CJE) remains unclear. Using a combination method of Principal Component Analysis‐based Cluster and Optimum Multiparameter Analysis along with remoting sensing data, this work unravels a previously overlooked penetration of the YSCW into the CJE in winter. Such a synoptic‐scale penetration could operate repeatedly associated with the northerly wind burst, producing a complex overlay of impacts on the regional circulation and materials transport. This work offers an refine view to wintertime pathway of the YSCW and lays the ground work for future studies of the physical‐biogeochemical synergies in this region. Key Points: Principle Component Analysis and Optimum Multiparameter method are combined to observe the implicit synoptic‐scale water mass interaction Combination Methodologies unravel a previously overlooked penetration of the Yellow Sea Coastal Water (YSCW) into the Changjiang River Estuary The YSCW penetration takes place repeatedly in response to the northerly wind burst