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Derivation of internal solitary wave amplitude in the South China Sea deep basin from satellite images

  • Special Section: Original Article
  • Regional Environmental Oceanography in the South China Sea and Its Adjacent Areas (REO-SCS): II
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Abstract

In the present study, theories based on the Korteweg–de Vries equation are extended to the Benjamin–Ono equation to allow the determination of internal solitary wave (ISW) amplitude from satellite images. The free surface flow induced by an ISW is derived for deep water. As a coherent structure, the amplitude of the ISW has a unique relation to the convergence/divergence of surface flow, such that the flow convergence/divergence will increase/decrease the backscattering cross section and generate bright/dark bands in satellite images. The distance between bright and dark bands can be related to the amplitude of ISW. To validate the theory, a multi-ship measurement made on 9–11 May 2005 during the spring tide period is used. A systematic approach to determine the thickness and density of the upper and lower layers is also included so that the free surface flow can be determined with a relatively high accuracy.

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Acknowledgments

This research was completed with Grants from Aim for the Top University Plan from the Ministry of Education (97C030200) and National Science Council of Taiwan, Republic of China (NSC94-2611-M-110-015). We are also grateful to the NASA MODIS project for providing MODIS data, and the NCOR science team of Taiwan and NODC for in situ hydrographic profiles in the SCS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Oceanography and Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan

    Guan-Yu Chen & Chi-Mong Wang

  2. Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan

    Feng-Chun Su & Ruo-Shan Tseng

  3. Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan

    Cho-Teng Liu

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  1. Guan-Yu Chen
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  2. Feng-Chun Su
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  3. Chi-Mong Wang
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  4. Cho-Teng Liu
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  5. Ruo-Shan Tseng
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Correspondence to Feng-Chun Su.

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Chen, GY., Su, FC., Wang, CM. et al. Derivation of internal solitary wave amplitude in the South China Sea deep basin from satellite images. J Oceanogr 67, 689–697 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10872-011-0073-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10872-011-0073-9

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