Synoptic Cross-Shore Movements of Outer Salinity Fronts in China’s Changjiang River Plume

• DOI: 10.1175/jpo-d-23-0248.1
• Publication Date: 2024-12-27T17:07:15Z
• Authors: Yameng Ma; Wenbin Yin; Daji Huang; Jiliang Xuan; Yuqing He; Qicheng Meng; Yi Wei; Feng Zhou; Jianfang Chen
• Keywords: Panache

Abstract Remote sensing observations reveal strong differences in winter cross-shore movements of the outer salinity fronts between midfield and far-field regions outside China’s Changjiang River plume. However, characteristics, mechanisms, associated water exchanges these remain unclear. Based on 7-yr buoy a high-resolution model, we investigate periods synoptic (∼9–13 days) variation spring–neap tidal cycle for far field. Their manifest as oscillations an alternation single double In midfield, frontal occur with in-phase variations opposite sides front, indicating balance brackish plume offshore saline water. The replenishment low-salinity from near field to this region induces significant stratification seawater, making entire surface layer highly buoyant susceptible modulation by wind-driven advection. field, alternations are accompanied antiphase front. During downwelling winds, front occurs when coastal decreases due southward expansion plume, increases onshore transport. weak is generated combined action advection vertical mixing. branch at time, providing evidence that Taiwan warm can intrude into area spreads further offshore. Significance Statement extends whole East China Sea wintertime wind, resulting widespread zone more than 300 km Such fronts’ natural synoptical their locations signal transport masses nutrients, which crucial shelf ecology. study, data model show differ strongly characteristics mechanisms movement, well exchanges. Accordingly, divide advective mainly driven mixing additionally