Existence,morphology and structure of the Yellow Sea Warm Current Branch approaching waters offshore Qingdao,China

In this study, we focused on full-region cruise survey data, near-bottom continuous mooring observations and sea surface wind products from the western South Yellow Sea in winter; after ensuring the data reliability and accuracy, we processed and analyzed the data. Image resolution experiments were carried out to determine the lowest recognition resolutions for all image types, which represent the resolution characteristics of the data. The existence of a warm water tongue originating from the Yellow Sea Warm Current(YSWC) that approached waters offshore Qingdao was confirmed. For the first time, a high salinity water tongue, corresponding to the warm water tongue, was described and found to be more representative of the YSWC branch path. This warm tongue is a sign of the branch originating from the YSWC, which we defined as the Yellow Sea Warm Current Branch approaching waters offshore Qingdao(YSWC-QDB). The pattern of the warm and salty water tongues showed remarkable rear, branching middle, shrinking neck and expanding top regions. These patterns showed a temporal feature of the tongues, and were the result of multi-temporal branches in front of the YSWC main section as well as the YSWC-QDB crossing the southwestward path of the extension of the North Shandong Coastal Current flowing along the southeast coast of the Shandong Peninsula(NSCC-SESE). Analysis using mooring data at a sensitive and representative station also showed the existence of the YSWC-QDB. It is a probabilistic event that manifests as a northwestward flow that decreases gradually from the bottom to the surface in the early cold air transit stage and consistent in the whole water column profile in the later stage. It varies quasi-periodically with weather processes. It also transports some of the YSWC water stored in the entrance area of the Bohai and Yellow seas under winter wind conditions to the western South Yellow Sea as a compensatory current. This current, caused by northerly winds, especially northwest winds and obstruction of the NSCC-SESE, was present, and strong water reduction and compensation caused significant residual sea level oscillations. The compensatory current, if caused by strong northwest wind,began to appear when its direction was opposite to the wind direction. In addition, confirmation of the YSWC-QDB provides an oceanographic basis for the short cooling time and rapid warming in the Qingdao area in winter. This research provides a basis for further studies of the YSWC-QDB at high spatial and temporal resolutions using large sea surface datasets. For monsoon basin dynamics, this study can also be extended to the whole Bohai and Yellow seas and closed or semi-closed basins on the continental margin.     

对黄海—东海研究区深部结构的一些新认识

综合地震层析成像与重磁数据的处理结果,选择26°N～36°N,120°E～130°E的范围作为研究区,讨论了黄、东海研究区的深部结构特点及其与周边各地质单元的相互关系,完成了研究区两条剖面的密度结构反演,认为东海陆架地区地壳厚度变化与大陆地区相比并不明显,显著减薄开始于冲绳海槽地区,中地壳消失;琉球岛弧处地壳厚度明显再度增加,特别是上地壳的厚度增加最大,推断其原因应与俯冲作用及俯冲带附近板块与地幔的运动速率之差有关.地球物理场“东西分带”是黄海—东海地区壳内结构从西向东变化的反映,但随着深度的增加,研究区的岩石层结构出现以近EW向为优势的构造格局.因此推断深部近EW向的异常是三叠纪时期南北板块碰撞、挤压所致,浅部的NE向条带异常是后期构造运动在岩石层较浅部位构造效应的反映.黄海—东海地区岩石层结构存在浅部与深部优势构造方向不协调的现象.层析成像结果证实了南黄海东缘断层的存在,还勾绘出绍兴—十万大山碰撞带为以40°左右的倾角向NW方向倾斜的高速带,另一条倾向基本相同的高速带则是南、北扬子块体结合带在深部的反映.     

Community composition, distribution, and contribution of microbenthos in offshore sediments from the Yellow Sea

We investigated the spatial distribution and composition of microbenthos in the seafloor sediments from 48 stations in the Yellow Sea using epifluorescence microscopy and quantitative protargol staining techniques. The bacterial abundance ranged from 2.4×10⁸ to 1.9×10⁹ cells cm⁻³ in the wet sediment, about three orders of magnitude higher than that of phototrophic (PNFs, from 6.4×10⁵ to 8.8×10⁶ cells cm⁻³) and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNFs, from 5.8×10⁴ to 5.9×10⁶ cells cm⁻³) and four orders of magnitude higher than that of cyanobacteria (from 2.3×10⁴ to 2.3×10⁶ cells cm⁻³) in the upper 5 cm of sediments. The abundance of diatoms varied greatly, from 3-1.1×10⁵ cells cm⁻³ in the upper 8 cm of sediments, whereas those of heterotrophic microflagellates (HMFs, 1-182 cells cm⁻³) and ciliates (1-221 cells cm⁻³) were less varied and lower. The biomass partitioning indicates the primary importance of benthic bacteria (50.3 μg C cm⁻³ on average), followed by PNFs (40.7 μg C cm⁻³), HNFs (19.3 μg C cm⁻³), and finally by cyanobacteria (8.8 μg C cm⁻³). Benthic diatoms (0.8 μg C cm⁻³), ciliates (0.15 μg C cm⁻³), and HMFs (0.03 μg C cm⁻³) contribute relatively small fractions to the total biomass of the microbenthos. About 95% of diatoms, 77% of ciliates, and 56% of HMFs were distributed in the upper 2 cm of sediments, whereas no distinct vertical distributions were observed for bacteria, cyanobacteria, PNFs, and HNFs. The microbenthos are quantitatively important in the shallow seafloor, wherein their main components have an average abundance three orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding planktonic organisms in the same sea area. Our estimates indicate that pico-sized phytobenthos might contribute a large proportion to the primary production. Benthic ciliates and heterotrophic flagellates contribute about 90% to the estimated combined metabolic rate of micro- and meiobenthic consumers in the whole sea area, with nanoheterotrophs accounting for the majority. The data suggest the potential for the rapid primary and secondary production of microbenthos and detrital utilization in the shallow seafloor sediments of the Yellow Sea.     

Fate of antibiotics during wastewater treatment and antibiotic distribution in the effluent-receiving waters of the Yellow Sea,northern China

Antibiotics including three β-lactams, two fluoroquinolones and two macrolides, which were the top seven most prescribed antibiotics in Dalian, China, were selected to investigate their occurrence in six municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their distribution in the effluent-receiving waters of the Yellow Sea. Four WWTPs employing different treatment technologies were selected to explore the mechanism of antibiotics elimination during wastewater treatment. Results showed that fluoroquinolones and macrolides were dominant species in both WWTPs effluents and the surveyed coastal waters. Biodegradation was the main pathway for β-lactams removal, however, primary treatment performed better than biological treatment for fluoroquinolones removal. Concentrations of macrolides increased dramatically after the biological treatment, which was probably due to the release of macrolides enclosed in feces particles. In the surveyed coastal waters, reduction of antibiotic concentration with distance was observed. Potential environmental risk caused by the occurrence of these antibiotics should be evaluated in future work.     

Effects of tide-surge interactions on storm surges along the coast of the Bohai Sea,Yellow Sea,and East China Sea

A two-dimensional coupled tide-surge model was used to investigate the effects of tide-surge interactions on storm surges along the coast of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. In order to estimate the impacts of tide-surge interactions on storm surge elevations, Typhoon 7203 was assumed to arrive at 12 different times, with all other conditions remaining constant. This allowed simulation of tide and total water levels for 12 separate cases. Numerical simulation results for Yingkou, Huludao, Shijiusuo, and Lianyungang tidal stations were analyzed. Model results showed wide variations in storm surge elevations across the 12 cases. The largest difference between 12 extreme storm surge elevation values was of up to 58 cm and occurred at Yingkou tidal station. The results indicate that the effects of tide-surge interactions on storm surge elevations are very significant. It is therefore essential that these are taken into account when predicting storm surge elevations.     

MODIS水色产品在黄东海域的真实性检验

水色产品的真实性检验无论对于算法的改进还是后续应用的可靠性保障来说都是十分重要的.中国近海是世界上最为浑浊的海域之一,NASA标准MODIS水色产品在该海域的精度十分有限.然而,局限于高质量海上实测数据的获取,相关的检验工作并未得到有效开展.利用2003年春季和秋季黄东海航次的实测数据对MODISAqua标准水色产品中的归一化离水辐亮度LWN(λ)(转换成遥感反射率Rrs(λ))和叶绿素a浓度(Chl.a)进行了真实性检验分析.采用3×3像元和±3h作为时空匹配窗口,并根据空间均匀性判识准则进行了数据剔除.基于验证数据(中低混浊水体)的分析,得到初步结论:(1)MODIS的Rrs(λ)反演结果具有一定精度,但是不能满足10%的误差期盼,且412nm波段的结果明显较差.反演值与实测值之间具有良好线性相关关系,对于所有6个波段,均方根偏差约为0.0030sr-1,相对偏差绝对值的中值约为25%.MODIS反演的Rrs(λ)与实测光谱的形状基本相似,数值多数偏低,特别是在高值区,另外,412和667nm波段在低值区大多数偏低,甚至出现负值,主要是大气修正过程中近红外波段离水辐射和气溶胶类型不适当造成的.(2)MODIS的Chl.a精度很差.反演值整体偏高,且与实测值之间不具有明显的线性相关关系,两者的均方根偏差约为1.56 mg/m3,相对偏差绝对值的中值约为103.25%,主要是OC3M模型(系数)的不适用性造成的.     

Origin of the springtime South China Sea Warm Current in the southwestern Taiwan Strait: Evidence from seawater oxygen isotope

Oxygen isotope(δ~(18)O) of seawater is an excellent proxy for tracing the origins of water masses and their mixing processes. Combining with hydrographic observation, hybrid coordinate ocean model(HYCOM) analysis data, and seawater oxygen isotope, we investigated the source of the South China Sea Warm Current(SCSWC) in the southwestern Taiwan Strait and its underlying mechanism. Results show that the Kuroshio subsurface water(KSSW) can intrude the continental slope in the southwestern Taiwan Strait, and thereby climb up the continental slope coupled with upwelling. The δ~(18)O-salinity relationship further indicates that in spring, the SCSWC in the southwestern Taiwan Strait originates from the upslope deflection of the slope current formed by the KSSW intrusion into the South China Sea, rather than from the west segment of the SCSWC formed to the east of Hainan Island. In addition, the southward flowing Zhe-Min Coastal Current(ZMCC) can reach as far as the Taiwan Bank(TB) and deflects offshore over the western TB at approximately 23.5°N, to some extent affecting the SCSWC. Moreover, this study reveals that seawater δ~(18)O is exquisitely sensitive to the determination of the origin and transport of water masses as compared with traditional potential temperature-salinity plot(θ-S) and HYCOM analysis data. In addition, their coupling can more reliably interpret the mixing processes of shelf water masses.     

Interpreting the sea surface temperature warming trend in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea

Previous studies have demonstrated that the low-frequency sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea (YECS) is linked to large-scale climate variability, but explanations on the mechanisms vary. This study examines the low-frequency variability and trends of some atmospheric and oceanic variables to discuss their different effects on the YECS warming. The increasing temperature trend is also observed at a hydrographic section transecting the Kuroshio. The increasing rate of ocean temperature decreases with depth, which might result in an increase in vertical stratification and a decrease in vertical mixing, and thus plays a positive role on the YECS warming. The surface net heat flux (downward positive) displays a decreasing trend, which is possibly a result of the YECS warming, and, in turn, inhibits it. Wind speeds show different trends in different datasets, such that its role in the YECS warming is uncertain. The trends in wind stress divergence and curl have large uncertainties, so their effects on SST warming are still unclear. The Kuroshio heat transport calculated in this study, displays no significantly increasing trend, so is an unlikely explanation for the SST warming. Limited by sparse ocean observations, sophisticated assimilative climate models are still needed to unravel the mechanisms behind the YECS warming.     

Phytoplankton biomass size structure and its regulation in the Southern Yellow Sea (China): Seasonal variability

Phytoplankton size structure plays a significant role in controlling the carbon flux of marine pelagic ecosystems. The mesoscale distribution and seasonal variation of total and size-fractionated phytoplankton biomass in surface waters, as measured by chlorophyll a (Chl a), was studied in the Southern Yellow Sea using data from four cruises during 2006–2007. The distribution of Chl a showed a high degree of spatial and temporal variation in the study area. Chl a concentrations were relatively high in the summer and autumn, with a mean of 1.42 and 1.27 mg m⁻³, respectively. Conversely, in the winter and spring, the average Chl a levels were only 0.98 and 0.99 mg m⁻³. Total Chl a showed a clear decreasing gradient from coastal areas to the open sea in the summer, autumn and winter cruises. Patches of high Chl a were observed in the central part of the Southern Yellow Sea in the spring due to the onset of the phytoplankton bloom. The eutrophic coastal waters contributed at least 68% of the total phytoplankton biomass in the surface layer. Picophytoplankton showed a consistent and absolute dominance in the central region of the Southern Yellow Sea (>40%) in all of the cruises, while the proportion of microphytoplankton was the highest in coastal waters. The relative proportions of pico- and nanophytoplankton decreased with total biomass, whereas the proportion of the micro-fraction increased with total biomass. Relationships between phytoplankton biomass and environmental factors were also analysed. The results showed that the onset of the spring bloom was highly dependent on water column stability. Phytoplankton growth was limited by nutrient availability in the summer due to the strong thermocline. The combined effects of P-limitation and vertical mixing in the autumn restrained the further increase of phytoplankton biomass in the surface layer. The low phytoplankton biomass in winter was caused by vertical dispersion due to intense mixing. Compared with the availability of nutrients, temperature did not seem to cause direct effects on phytoplankton biomass and its size structure. Although interactions of many different environmental factors affected phytoplankton distributions, hydrodynamic conditions seemed to be the dominant factor. Phytoplankton size structure was determined mainly by the size-differential capacity in acquiring resource. Short time scale events, such as the spring bloom and the extension of Yangtze River plume, can have substantial influences, both on the total Chl a concentration and on the size structure of the phytoplankton.     

Geological structure of the yellow sea area from regional gravity and magnetic interpretation

Regional gravity and aeromagnetic data covering the area of 32°- 38° N, 118°-127° E at the scale of 1：1,000,000 are coordinated and integrated in a synthetic study of the South China Yellow Sea and adjacent areas. Depth to magnetic crystalline basement and its structure are determined by magnetic anomaly inversion. Depth to and thickness of the Paleozoic rock are also revealed by gravity anomaly inversion with constrains of the basement and known seismic information from several profiles. Structure units, main faults, basin boundaries, and sub-suppressions are outlined on the basis of gravity data interpretation.