Satellite infrared remote sensing observation of surface circulation of the northeast South China Sea in winter

Based on several images taken by. the NOAA -11 and - 12 advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR/2) during 1989-1993, and combined with a larger-scale of oceanographic investigation during 8-27 March 1992, some related questions of the physical oceanography in the South China As have been discussed. The results show that there were a more complementary action for the investigation and study on the physical oceanographic phenomena in the South China As using the satellite imageries and in-situ data, and the distribution and variation of the satellite-derived sea surface tempera- ture field in the northeast South China Sea basically mirrored the results obtained from in-situ investigation. Some of the large-scale and meso-scale marine phenomena varied with the long and medium periods, for instance, an anticyclonic meandering of the Kuroshio path when it flowed through the Bashi Channel, the win water with high temperature along the west coastline of Lain Island, the western and northern warmer water tongues off the southwest of Taiwan Island, China, as well as the thermal front along the continental shelf off Guangdong, were well presented in both the satellite imageries and in-situ data. Then, there the can be revealed some marine phenomena with a short period, or in the further large area using the satellite imageries, which will provide scientific basis for planning and carrying out the effective marine investigation. Finally, a map of surface circulation pattern in the northeast South China Sea in winter is sketched according to the comprehensive analysis of the satellite and in-situ data.