KINEMATIC STUDY OF SELF-PROPELLED MARINE VORTICES BASED ON REMOTELY SENSED DATA

Abstract

Based on remotely sensed data from space and air, some isolated marine vortices have been found to be propelling temselves along the coastline at the Suruga Bay and at the Akashi Strait, which are generated respectively by the shear of the Kuroshio or the tidal current. A kinematic discussion has been developed about the characteristics of these self-propelled marine vortices, and following results are obtained. These self-propelled vortices accompanied by a substantial mass transport and by a coastal current have an important role in the coastal current system. The earth rotation effects support the action of the counterclockwise marine vortices which are generated at the Pacific Coast of Japan by the shear of the Kuroshio.