Seasonal and interannual variabilities of evaporation and net freshwater flux in the South China Sea

The 19-year (1988 similar to 2006) Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/1) data were used to acquire the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of sea Surface evaporation. precipitation and net freshwater flux in the South China Sea. The seasonal and interannual variabilities and their long-term linear trends were also studied. The results show that there exist obvious seasonal and interannual variabilities. The seasonal cycle of sea Surface evaporation has a double-peak curve, while precipitation and net fresh water flux show a single-peak curve. Sea surface evaporation has an increasing rate of 1 mm/yr during 1988 similar to 2001 and a decreasing rate of 1.9 mm/yr during 2001 similar to 2006. Noticeable declines in precipitation and net freshwater flux happened during 1997 similar to 1998 El Nino event. The annual rates of decreasing precipitation and net freshwater flux after the warm event are 8.5 mm/yr and 7.5 mm/yr, respectively.