Fine-Resolution Modeling Studies in the Northern South China Sea

Abstract

Recently, there have been many new observations from expeditions and moored instruments in the northern South China Sea (NSCS), which produced several exciting new features not known before. These new findings call for a new generation of models to explore the processes responsible for these features, because most of the existing numerical models can not either resolve them or account for the physics behind them. A fine-resolution, hydrodynamic model of the NSCS area capable of resolving the temporal and spatial scales of corresponding oceanic processes and bringing together the unique oceanographic data sources available in this area is established in this study. The fine-resolution NSCS model is nesting to a North Pacific Ocean model. Description of the circulation is further improved by assimilating the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite altimeter data into the NSCS model. Data assimilation model not only reproduces the seasonal patterns in the earlier studies but also resolves mesoscale highs and lows in the region. The model results are reasonably consistent with the limited observations during previous expeditions. The spatial and temporal variations in the NSCS are discussed as well. Furthermore, satellite remote sensing data and time series data obtained from moored instruments (SEATS) will be also used for comparison with model output.