Seasonal variations of the ocean surface circulation in the vicinity of Palau |
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| Authors: | Scott F Heron E Joseph Metzger William J Skirving |
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| Institution: | (1) Coral Reef Watch, NOAA/NESDIS/ORA, E/RA31, SSMC1, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA;(2) Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-5004, USA |
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| Abstract: | The surface circulation in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean is investigated with the aim of describing intra-annual variations
near Palau (134°30′ E, 7°30′ N). In situ data and model output from the Ocean Surface Currents Analysis—Real-time, TRIangle Trans-Ocean buoy Network, Naval Research
Laboratory Layered Ocean Model and the Joint Archive for Shipboard ADCP are examined and compared. Known major currents and
eddies of the western equatorial Pacific are observed and discussed, and previously undocumented features are identified and
named (Palau Eddy, Caroline Eddy, Micronesian Eddy). The circulation at Palau follows a seasonal variation aligned with that
of the Asian monsoon (December–April; July–October) and is driven by the major circulation features. From December to April,
currents around Palau are generally directed northward with speeds of approximately 20 cm/s, influenced by the North Equatorial
Counter-Current and the Mindanao Eddy. The current direction turns slightly clockwise through this boreal winter period, due
to the northern migration of the Mindanao Eddy. During April–May, the current west of Palau is reduced to 15 cm/s as the Mindanao
Eddy weakens. East of Palau, a cyclonic eddy (Palau Eddy) forms producing southward flow of around 25 cm/s. The flow during
the period July to September is disordered with no influence from major circulation features. The current is generally northward
west of Palau and southward to the east, each with speeds on the order of 5 cm/s. During October, as the Palau Eddy reforms,
the southward current to the east of Palau increases to 15 cm/s. During November, the circulation transitions to the north-directed
winter regime. |
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| Keywords: | Ocean surface circulation seasonal variation western equatorial Pacific Palau |
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