On the Intermediate Water in the Southwestern East Sea (Sea of Japan)

Abstract

Abstract The spatial and temporal variability of the East Sea Intermediate Water (ESIW) in the East Sea is examined by incorporating the CTD data, taken over three different surveys in August 1986. December 1987 and May 1988, with the historical hydrographic data obtained bimonthly. The ESIW is clearly identified by the salinity minimum and the dissolved oxygen maximum off the mid-east coast of Korea and in Korea Strait in August 1986. A core of the salinity minimum water appeared at the coastal region in December 1987, offshore in May 1988, and at both region in August 1986. In the historical bottle data location of salinity minimum core is not so clear as CTD data. Temporal variation in the properties of the ESIW suggests that this water appears interannually.