Interannual variability of Indonesian throughflow in the Flores Sea

Abstract

The main branch of Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) from Makassar Strait passes through Flores Sea. The variance of ITF transport volume was influenced by climate phenomenon such as El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This research was conducted to describe the relationship between the ENSO and the ITF transport variability. This relationship was explored using data from INDESO model 2008-2015. The variability of transport volume was analyzied using continous wavelet transform and band-pass analysis. Water circulation was analyzed by summing up the average of water current and sea temperatures. The Flores ITF was a portion of Makassar ITF and Eastern ITF that enter via Lifamatola Passage. The flow in the upper layer was intensified during the west monsoon while in the thermocline layer was intensified during the east monsoon. Flores ITF moved along the northern part of Flores Island and was dominated by zonal velocity component.