Abstract
The characteristics of the upper ocean response to tropical cyclone wind (TCW) forcing in the northwestern Pacific were investigated using satellite and Argo data, as well as an ocean general circulation model. In particular, a case study was carried out on typhoon Rammasun, which passed through our study area during May 6-13, 2008. It is found that the local response right under the TCW forcing is characterized by a quick deepening of the surface mixed layer, a strong latent heat loss to the atmosphere, and an intense upwelling near the center of typhoon, leading to a cooling of the oceanic surface layer that persists as a cold wake along the typhoon track. More interestingly, the upper ocean response exhibits a four-layer thermal structure, including a cooling layer near the surface and a warming layer right below, accompanied by another pair of cooling/warming layers in the thermocline. The formation of the surface cooling/warming layers can be readily explained by the strong vertical mixing induced by TCW forcing, while the thermal response in the thermocline is probably a result of the cyclone-driven upwelling and the associated advective processes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
