Impact of typhoons on the <scp>C</scp>hangjiang plume extension in the <scp>Y</scp>ellow and <scp>E</scp>ast <scp>C</scp>hina <scp>S</scp>eas

Abstract

Abstract It is well known that river discharges, winds, ocean currents, and tides are major dynamical factors that determine the distribution and extension of the Changjiang plume (CP) in the Yellow and East China Seas (YECS). Using observations and numerical experiments, this study demonstrates that, in addition to these factors, typhoons in the YECS also play a crucial role in the extension of the CP during the summer season. The hydrographic data observed at the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) and by a research vessel during the period of Typhoons Ewiniar (0603) and Dianmu (1004) showed that the typhoon‐induced strong vertical mixing modified spatial distribution of the CP significantly, resulting in the delay of the CP's extension by as much as up to 20 days. A series of numerical experiments for Typhoon Dianmu also showed that the typhoon plays a blocking role for the extension of CP for up to 17 days through the vertical mixing process and the change of background winds. In particular, it is found that the delay due to Dianmu in 2010 contributed to the avoidance of potential mass mortality of marine life by preventing the low‐salinity water from spreading to the aquaculture regions near Jeju Island.