Seasonal variation of Marine Heat Wave in the East China Sea

Abstract

The satellite-based daily sea surface temperature was used to study the Marine Heat Wave (MHW) in the East China Sea. The seasonal variation of MHW is significant. In winter, the 200 m isobath on the shelf is identified as a section with high-frequency MHW. The duration of MHW is relatively long on the slope and deep basin, and mean intensity of MHW is obviously high in the central Taiwan Strait. In summer, the frequency of MHW is relatively high near the coast of the China Mainland. Meanwhile, the shelf section of the 200 m isobath is also high in frequency. Otherwise, the duration of MHW on the shelf is short. In the northern shelf, the mean intensity of MHW is obviously higher. The total days and maximum intensity of MHW are also discussed, aiming at giving near-fully description of MHW in the East China Sea.