Sea surface slope as an estimator of the Kuroshio volume transport east of Taiwan

Abstract

The Kuroshio volume transport (KVT) at 24.5°N near Taiwan was directly measured for the first time during the period from September 1994 to May 1996 through the channel between Taiwan and Iriomote, Japan. Adjusted sea level difference anomaly (SLDA) across the Kuroshio is examined as a proxy for long‐term monitoring of KVT. Regression analyses were performed on the directly measured KVT and SLDA between Ishigaki and sea level stations on the Taiwan side (Keelung, Kenfang and Suao). The best estimators of KVT are: (1) KVT 1 =0.32× SLDA 1 ( Ishigaki‐Suao ) + 20.85 Sυ ±2.3 Sυ for daily KVT and (2) KVT 10 =0.37 × SLDA 10 ( Ishigaki‐Suao ) + 20.87 Sυ ±1.4 Sυ for 10‐day low‐passed KVT.