Formation and Circulation Processes of Intermediate Water in the Japan Sea

Abstract

Abstract The formation and circulation processes of intermediate water in the Japan Sea have been investigated by study of the subduction of mixed layer water. To simulate realistic seasonal variations in the velocity and hydrographic structures, a numerical model with a nudging method for potential temperature and salinity, which reproduced the general features in the Japan Sea, is used. Close investigation of the subduction process reveals two major formation areas (A and B) of intermediate water. Area A (41°∼43°N, west of 135°E) corresponds to the region reported by recent observations, whereas Area B (40°∼43°N, east of 136°E) has not been reported so far. The mixed layer water subducted in Area A is advected southwestward and eventually its upper portion (above 200 m) reaches the eastern part of the Japan Basin, whereas the lower branch (below 200 m) reaches the Tsushima Basin. This indicates that the East Sea Intermediate Water originates from the mixed layer in Area A, and suggests that the East Sea...