The Luzon Strait transport variations during 1997～2000

Based on the output data from 1997 to 2000 obtained by the MITgcm's (general circulation model) adjoint assimilation method, volume, heat and salt transports through the Luzon Strait are calculated. The results indicate that there are obvious different characteristics between 1997 and 1998～2000 on the transports through the Luzon Strait. During 1997, theLuzon Strait had a mean net westward transport of 3.93×10⁶ m³/s with a maximum transport of 7.34×10⁶ m³/s in October. During 1998～2000, the Luzon Strait possessed an annual mean eastward transport of 0.93×10⁶, 1.80×10⁶ and 1.00×10⁶ m³/s respectively with a maximum eastward transport of 4.10×10⁶/3.31×10⁶ m³/s in July 1998/1999 and 2.06×10⁶ m³/s in April 2000, respectively. Moreover, the transports in 1997 indicated a difference from the other years, i.e.,that the ranges of westward inflows expanded more obviously to north of the Luzon Strait and downwards exceedingthose of the other years. The westward inflows expanded horizontally to the north part of the Luzon Strait until 21°N.