1. Key Laboratory of Ocean Dynamic Processes and Satellite Oceanography, SOA, Hangzhou 310012, China;Second Institute of Oceanography, SOA, Hangzhou 310012, China 2. College of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Abstract:
A theoretic solution of one-dimensional heat transfer equation and a numerical simulation of 3D baroclinic circulation by MOM2 are investigated to understand the roles of bottom boundary mixing and the Topographic Heat Accumulation Effect (THAE) in the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) circulation. Our results show: (i) The time scale of heat transfer changes from days to weeks and from shallow to deep water column. Strong bottom boundary mixing makes the thermocline domed. (ii) The circulation of YSCWM has a two-layer structure. The upper layer is cyclonic, while the lower layer is anticyclonic, and the lower layer is thinner (about 10-20 m) and weaker than the upper layer. The depth-integrated (net) circulation is cyclonic. (iii) The strength of the bottom boundary mixing influences the temperature structures greatly but has less effect on the velocity structure.
