Dynamics of subtidal flow in the Taiwan Strait

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.