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Interannual modulation of eddy kinetic energy in the northeastern South China Sea as revealed by an eddy‐resolving OGCM
Author(s) -
Sun Zhongbin,
Zhang Zhiwei,
Zhao Wei,
Tian Jiwei
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: oceans
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9291
pISSN - 2169-9275
DOI - 10.1002/2015jc011497
Subject(s) - baroclinity , climatology , eddy , intrusion , geology , trough (economics) , oceanography , el niño southern oscillation , mesoscale meteorology , amplitude , environmental science , meteorology , geography , physics , turbulence , geochemistry , quantum mechanics , economics , macroeconomics
Interannual modulation of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the northeastern South China Sea (NE‐SCS) is investigated based on outputs of an eddy‐resolving oceanic general circulation model between 1980 and 2014. The EKE displays distinct interannual modulations with periods between 1.5 and 7 years. The maximum peak‐to‐trough amplitude of the interannual modulation occurred during period 2004–2005, which was about 1.5‐fold the time‐mean EKE level. Further analysis suggested that interannual variability of EKE in the NE‐SCS is primarily modulated by the Luzon Strait transport (LST). During high‐EKE years, the LST increases corresponding to a strengthened Kuroshio intrusion. The strengthened Kuroshio intrusion enhances the baroclinic instability of current in the NE‐SCS and thus leads to a strong EKE. The reverse is true during low‐EKE years when LST is smaller. Influences of ENSO and Pacific mesoscale eddies on the interannual modulation of LST are also discussed in this study.