Modelling the seasonal thermal stratification and baroclinic circulation in the Bohai Sea

摘要: Abstract The seasonal thermal stratification and baroclinic circulation in the Bohai Sea are investigated with a three-dimensional primitive equation model. evolution of temperature is well simulated. Stratification appears early April, intensifies synoptic neap-spring fluctuations through summer, reaches its maximum middle July. It eventually destroyed at end September. There cold water belts between well-mixed stratified regions separated by tidal front coinciding isolines for difference 1–2°C surface bottom. They maintained entrainment from side frontal zone mixing tides winds. sea (SST) distribution shows local head three bays area off Qinhuangdao. latter SST due to particularly reduced as both winds currents weak this region. Atmospheric forcing play an essential part variations SST, fronts. results combined effects tides, forces. Water transport Yellow Seas also controlled combination all these Inflow strong mainly confined narrow passage northern Strait. Outflow broad rest strait.