Impact of typhoon on the north-west Pacific sea surface temperature: a case study of Typhoon Kaemi (2006)

Tropical cyclones, also known as typhoons, in the north-west Pacific are important air–sea interaction process that transports massive amounts of heat and moisture. Due to upwelling phenomena and heavy rainfall, the sea surface temperature (SST) drop can be observed. Typhoon Kaemi has been chosen as a case study to observe decline in SST and better understand the processes. Typhoon Kaemi formed on 19 July 2006 as a low pressure and made the landfall on 26 July 2006. The response of SST to typhoon in the western North Pacific Ocean is examined by using satellite data (AMSR-E SST, Quik SCAT wind) and re-analysis data (OISST and NCEP-II wind). The maximum SST drop of 2 °C was predominant on 22 July 2006. The SST cooling is due to upwelling and rainfall beside and along the typhoon track. Cumulative rainfall is higher in the left side of typhoon track, which results in higher SST cooling; however, land also experienced heavy rainfall. Comparing the SST variations of both satellite and re-analysis data, it was found that the remote-sensing data are more realistic and detailed due to the higher resolution and being nearer to in situ, but depend on availability of satellite orbit pass and sparse of data at the coastal area. Re-analysis data provide better understanding of the SST variations during the typhoon.