Current observation system using ship drift and its applications in Kumano-nada and Enshu-nada Seas

Abstract

A continuous observation system of ship drift of ferry boats was developed using Loran C, ship direction, ship speed and wind velocity measurement. A formula to estimate the wind-driven lateral drift of the boat is proposed, and a measuring system of the surface current is described, including a discussions on its usefullness to monitor day-to-day variations of the circulation patterns in the coastal boundary regions of the Kuroshio.This system was applied to observe variations of the circulation in the Kumano-nada, and Enshu-nada Seas south of Japan. Some preliminary results were obtained by using this system as well as other methods. This work focuses on the behavior of warm eddies in the Kumano-nada Sea. The surface current patterns that include these phenomena obtained by the use of the ship drift show good correspondence with currents and thermal structures observed with GEK, CTD, moored current meters and satellite thermal images.