CHARACTERISTICS OF CIRCULATION IN THE CONTINENTAL SHELF AREA OF THE EAST CHINA SEA IN WINTER

The data of temperature, salinity and current from an oceanographic investigation of the East China Sea (26 Dec., 1984-27 Jan., 1985) are used to analyse the circulation in the continental shelf area. Results show that the meander of the Kuroshio in the area NE of Taiwan in winter is larger than that expected before. The Taiwan Warm Current in winter is a fairly stable counter-wind one, and that the bottom currents in the shelf area are roughly consistent with the general circulation. From these observational data, together with historical data, the origin of the Taiwan Warm Current in winter is discussed. It is suggested that the warm water of the Taiwan Warm Current comes mainly from the Kuroshio Water NE of Taiwan.