Circulation in the Central South Sea of Korea in Spring 1999

Current and sea level were observed in spring 1999 by a bottom mounted ADCP and tide gauge in the central part of the South Sea of Korea. With respect to the front, the distribution of isotherms is prograde in the offshore region whereas that of isohalines is retrograde, especially in the coastal area. The combined effect results in shoaling of isopycnals at the front. This distribution corresponds to a westward coastal flow on the northern side of the front and the eastward Tsushima Warm Current (TWC) to the south, determined by vessel-mounted ADCP observations. The low-frequency current shows either alternating clockwise-counterclockwise rotation or else persistent eastward motion depending on the frontal motion. Fluctuations of wind, sea level and current are coherent at period of 3-4 days and show some characteristics of Ekman-like dynamics.