Variability and Dynamics of the Kuroshio and Mindanao Current during the 2010/11 La Niña and in Late 2012

• DOI: 10.1175/jpo-d-23-0124.1
• Publication Date: 2024-04-30T14:43:52Z
• Authors: Bo Li; Dongliang Yuan; Xiaoyue Hu; Ya Yang; Yao Li; Shijian Hu
• Keywords: Boundary current; Ocean dynamics

Abstract Variability of two Pacific western boundary currents (WBCs)—the Kuroshio and the Mindanao Current—during strong 2010/11 La Niña event is investigated using ship-based hydrographic observations moored current-meter data collected off east coasts Philippines. The geostrophic calculated show that, during winter, decreased by ∼10 Sv (1 ≡ 10 6 m 3 s −1 ), whereas Current increased ∼5–10 Sv, relative to normal winter in late 2012. interannual variability based on confirmed measurements satellite altimeter currents. A coastally trapped Kelvin wave model used explain WBCs different ENSO phases. good comparison simulated sea level anomalies around Philippines with suggests that associated propagation from Sulawesi–Sulu Seas clockwise Philippine Archipelago. We identified waves are excited downwelling equatorial Rossby propagating into Indonesian Niña. transport comparable total meridional integrated across interior North Ocean, suggesting importance heat charge–discharge processes warm pool events. Significance Statement Current—play role closing subtropical tropical gyre circulation Ocean. Their unknown. Existing studies numerical modeling suggest their highly correlated ENSO, stronger weaker vice versa El Niño. Here, we use situ combined mooring decreases increases Niña, dynamics which controlled result important for ENSO.