The eddy pair off eastern Vietnam: Interannual variability and impact on thermohaline structure

The main features, interannual variability of the eddy pair (an anti-cyclonic southern eddy and a cyclonic northern eddy) off eastern Vietnam and its impact on local thermohaline structure are analyzed using altimeter data, the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) data, and the Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECWMF) data. The results show that the eddy pair is a seasonal phenomenon usually found in the summer to fall. It can reach downward to about 400 m depth but is strongest at the upper 100 m depth. In addition, the eddy pair displays a remarkable interannual variability with periods of 5.6 and 3.6 years. The local wind stress curl plays an important role in the interannual variability of eddy pair. Moreover, the eddy pair has an obvious impact on the thermohaline structure of the local upper ocean. The eddy pair can lead to stronger temperature variability in the upper 380 m but stronger salinity variability only in the upper 150 m depth. When the eddy pair is strong, the anticyclonic eddy deepens the thermocline, while the cyclonic eddy shoals the thermocline. Taking the depth of 20 degrees C isotherm as the thermocline depth, we find that in September, the thermocline drops downward to 110-140 m depth in the anti-cyclonic eddy but rises up to 50-80 in depth in the cyclonic eddy. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.