Physical Characteristics of Watermass in the South China Sea, Area I: Gulf of Thailand and East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Our study provides new information on the physical characteristics of watermass in the South China Sea. We analyzed the temperature, salinity and density profiles to determine the effect of the NE monsoon on the variability of the physical properties of watermass, in the Gulf of Thailand and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. CTD data were obtained from both the M.V. SEAFDEC cruises conducted before (September 1995) and after (April 1996) the northeast (NE) monsoon season. We concluded that the NE monsoon caused the variability of the physical properties of watermasses, in the study area, slightly. We observed the movement of the thermocline, halocline and pycnocline layers from deeper depth to shallower depth, before and after the NE monsoon season, respectively. This movement indicates the possible occurrence of downwelling and upwelling processes in the region.