Unusual Behavior of the Kuroshio Current System from Winter 1996 to Summer 1997 Revealed by ADEOS-OCTS and Other Data (Continued): A Study from Broad External Conditions with Bottom Topography

摘要: In the previous paper (Toba and Murakami, 1998) we reported on an unusual path of Kuroshio Current System, which occurred in April 1997 (April event), using Ocean Color Temperature Scanner (OCTS) data Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS). The event was characterized by flow along western slope (northward) eastern (southward) Izu-Ogasawara Ridge, a very southerly turning point at about 32°N, followed straight northward up to 37°N Extension flank Japan Trenches. Overlaying depth contours ADEOS-OCTS chlorophyll-a images demonstrates bottom topography effects current paths. A new finding based TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter is that sea-surface gradient across Kuroshio/Kuroshio diminished greatly sea area southeast central Japan, as temporary phenomenon prior this event. This diminishing upper-ocean velocity might have caused stronger effect over Trench disclosed weak background, barotropic trench-flank pattern, existed otherwise independently Extension. from winter 1996 autumn 1998 corresponded, with time lag 1.5 years, La Nina tendency weaker North Equatorial Current. accordance its extreme condition.