Abstract
The cold, low-salinity, and nutrient-rich Zhe-Min Coastal Water (ZMCW), an important part of the China Coastal Current, plays a key role in the hydrodynamics, biogeochemical processes and marine ecosystem in the Taiwan Strait (TWS). In this study, the long-term characteristics of the ZMCW were investigated using available data sets, including merged satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) data, wind, ocean current, and heat flux data. The results demonstrated that the impact area and intensity of the ZMCW decreased from 1986 to 1998, and then increased significantly from 1999 to 2016. The enhancements of the ZMCW resulted in SST reductions after 1998. The enhancements of the ZMCW in winter after 1998 can be attributed to the intensification of northeast winds, weakening of the Strait Warm Water, and increasing of net surface heat flux (from ocean to atmosphere). In addition, the impact area and intensity of the ZMCW tend to strengthen during La Nina and weaken during El Nino events.
Published Version
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