Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2014, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (2): 1-9.doi: 10.11978/j.issn.1009-5470.2014.02.001cstr: 32234.14.j.issn.1009-5470.2014.02.001

• Marine Hydrology •     Next Articles

Observational study on summertime upwelling in coastal seas between eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian

XU Jin-dian, CAI Shang-zhan, XUAN Li-li, QIU Yun, ZHOU Xi-wu, ZHU Da-yong   

  1. Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xiamen 361005, China
  • Received:2013-04-25 Revised:2013-08-20 Online:2014-04-02 Published:2014-04-02
  • Contact: 国家海洋局第三海洋研究所基本科研业务费专项资金资助项目(海三科2011012); 国家重点基础研究发展计划项目(2009CB 421205); 福建省“908”专项(FJ908-04-06)

Abstract: Based on the summer cruise conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) data in 2001, 2002, 2006, and 2009, this paper reveals the interannual variation of spatial structure and intensity of upwelling in eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian coastal seas. Using the QuikSCAT wind data, the current and bottom temperature data from seabed-based observations, and the sea surface temperature data at the ocean station of Nan’ao, we discuss the influence of sea surface wind and tropical cyclones on the upwelling, temporal and spatial characteristics and short-term variation of the upwelling, the evolution of the upwelling, and the source of the upwelling. We show that the range and intensity of the upwelling present an interannual variation in the coastal seas between eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian. The upwelled water only reached the surface in July-August 2009. In the border area of Guangdong and Fujian, the upwelling region was narrow, and was located mostly northeastward in July-August 2006; in contrast, it was wider in July-August 2009, and was located mostly southwestward in July-August 2001. In the eastern Guangdong coastal sea, the upwelled water reached 20 m in July-August 2006, deeper than in other years. The upwelling in the study area was stronger in July-August 2002 than on the other years. A strong vertical mixing within the upwelling area induced by a tropical cyclone warmed the middle- and bottom-layer waters rapidly, and finally led to the disruption of the upwelling. The coastal upwelling appeared earlier and was stronger in eastern Guangdong coast than in southern Fujian coast. During early and mid July, the upwelling started to appear but was not permanent. It was strengthened in mid July and early August, and became weaker from mid August to early September. Finally, it disappeared rapidly during early and mid September. The upwelled water in the coastal seas of eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian came from the lower-layer cold water in the open sea of the eastern Guangdong.

Key words: upwelling, eastern Guangdong, southern Fujian, interannual variation, short-term variation, evolution process

CLC Number: 

  • P731