Cross-shelf penetrating fronts off the southeast coast of China observed by MODIS

Abstract

Images of chlorophyll-a concentration of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard of Terra Satellite show significant cross-shelf penetrating fronts off the southeast coast of China in October 2000 and July 2002. Analyses indicate that the significant offshore excursion of the October 2000 front is produced by a cross-shelf jet that coincides with passages of atmospheric cold fronts, which generate downwelling favorable winds. The frontal activities during July 2002 are associated with strong southwesterly winds in favor of upwelling and are likely produced by instabilities of the coastal currents. Multiple fronts within the tongue of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Diluted Water are observed in the summer of 2002. The significant cross-shelf jet, the instability waves, and the multiple tongues of the Changjiang Diluted Water are reported for the first time. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.