Ocean numerical model experiment on estimating the variation of volume and heat transport in Karimata strait

Abstract

Volume and heat transport variations through Karimata Strait during 2010-2014 were studied using three-dimensional numerical model of Hamburg Shelf Ocean Model (HAMSOM). Simulated area is located in 1°0'0" N - 4°30'0" N and 104°0'15"E - 110°30'0"E with a horizontal resolution 0.5’ (approximately 0.94 km). The average of root mean square error of current velocity between model and observation are 0.17 for zonal (v) and 0.20 for meridional (v) components. The results of signal analysis showed that the volume and heat transport is strongly influenced by the seasonal period. There was also weak and medium phase of El Niño and La Niña during 2010 - 2014 that affected volume transport. The average volume (heat) transport during 2010-2014 through Karimata Strait is -2.75 Sv (-0.031 PW), meanwhile the average volume (heat) transport during boreal winter and boreal summer are -0.66 Sv (-0.06 PW) and -0.38 Sv (-0.03 PW), respectively (1 Sv = 106 m3/s; 1 PW=1015 W). Southward total transport indicates that there are parts of South Chinese Sea-Indonesia seas flow through Karimata Strait.