Skip to main content
Log in

Dynamics of subtidal flow in the Taiwan Strait

  • Published:
Journal of the Oceanographical Society of Japan Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Two current meter moorings were deployed in the Taiwan Strait from 3 April to 5 May 1983. The data indicate that the subtidal flow in this rather wide strait can be separated into two parts: the mean flow and wind-driven flow, which make about equal contributions to the overall flow. The mean flow is probably originates from branching of the Kuroshio through Bashi Channel. The magnitude of the current is nearly 30 cm sec−1 flowing northward, and the corresponding along-strait sea surface slope is on the order of 10−7. The residual flow is a local wind-driven flow, and reaches a frictionally balanced state in about 4 hr. Assuming a linear drag law for the bottom stress, a hindcast scheme is constructed and the results compare well with the observations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beardsley, R.C. and B. Butman (1974): Circulation on the New England continental shelf: Response to strong winter storms. Geophys. Res. Lett.,1, 181–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chao, S.-Y. and L.J. Pietrafesa (1980): The subtidal response of sea level to atmospheric forcing in the Corolina capes. J. Phys. Oceanogr.,10, 1246–1255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chern, C.-S. (1982): A preliminary study on the Response of Taiwan Strait to winter monsoon. Acta Oceanogr. Taiwanica,13, 124–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chu, T.-Y. (1963): The oceanography of the surrounding waters of Taiwan. Reports of the Institute of Fishery Biology of Ministry of Economic Affairs and National Taiwan University,1, 29–44 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Chuang, W.-S. and W.J. Wiseman (1983): Coastal sea level response to frontal passages on the Louisiana-Texas shelf. J. Geophys. Res.,88, 2615–2620.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conlon, D.M. (1981): Dynamics of flow in the region of the Tsugaru Strait. Technical Report No. 312, Coastal Studies Inst., Louisiana State Univ.

  • Csanady, G.T. (1974): Barotropic currents over the continental shelf. J. Phys. Oceanogr.,4, 357–371.

    Google Scholar 

  • Csanady, G.T. (1976): Mean circulation in shallow seas. J. Geophys. Res.,81, 5389–5399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Defant, A. (1961): Physical oceanography. Vol. 2, Pergamon Press, New York, 598 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foreman, M.G.G. (1978): Manual for tidal currents analysis and prediction. Report 78-6, Inst. of Ocean Sci., Particia Bay, Sidney, B.C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garrett, C. and B. Toulany (1981): Variability of the flow through the strait of Belle Isle. J. Mar. Res.,39, 163–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kundu, P. K. and J.S. Allen (1976): Some three-dimensional characteristics of low-frequency current fluctuations near the Oregon coast. J. Phys. Oceanogr.,6, 181–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nitani, H. (1972): Beginning of Kuroshio. In: Kuroshio, Its Physical Aspects, ed. by H. Stommel and K. Yoshida, Univ. Tokyo Press, Tokyo, pp. 129–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandstrom, H. (1980): On the wind-induced sea level changes on the Scotian shelf. J. Geophys. Res.,79, 435–443.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, J. T. and G. T. Csanady (1976): Nearshore currents off Long Island. J. Geophys. Res.,81, 5401–5409.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R.L. (1974): A description of current, wind and sea level variations during coastal upwelling off the Oregon coast, July–August 1972. J. Geophys. Res.,85, 461–468.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, D.-P. (1979): Low frequency sea level variability on the Middle Atlantic Bight. J. Mar. Res.,37, 683–697.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winant, C.D. and R.C. Beardsley (1979): A comparison of some shallow wind-driven currents. J. Phys. Oceanogr.,9, 218–220.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chuang, W.S. Dynamics of subtidal flow in the Taiwan Strait. Journal of the Oceanographical Society of Japan 41, 65–72 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109175

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109175

Keywords

Navigation