A theoretical model for the intrusion of the Kuroshio across the continental shelf of East China Sea

Abstract

Here we use a two-layer model to study the dynamics of the intrusion of the Kuroshio onto the continental shelf. Results show that the interaction of the Kuroshio water and shelf water produces a stable upwelling zone above 100 m depth northeast of Taiwan, which provides a dynamical explanation to the presence of the cold core previously observed by satellite. The affected shelf water from the interaction has an onshore portion, which turns right and becomes a northward alongshore flow when it moves closer to shore. This implies that the Kuroshio water cannot penetrate deep onto the inner part of the continental shelf, but it generates a strong northward jet that is formed mainly by the shelf water.