Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Research

23 pages, 2844 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Increase in Global Ocean Heat Content and Favorable Conditions for Tropical Cyclone and CYCLOP Intensification: Accounting for El Niño

by Robert Keenan Forney, Paul W. Miller and Travis A. Smith

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 1918; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101918 - 6 Oct 2025

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Abstract

The ocean heat content (“OHC”)—the heat energy within the ocean integrated to a reference depth—has physical drivers spanning spatial and temporal scales, including seasonality, the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and others. The present article investigates changes in the OHC100 during the period 1994–2020 [...] Read more.

The ocean heat content (“OHC”)—the heat energy within the ocean integrated to a reference depth—has physical drivers spanning spatial and temporal scales, including seasonality, the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and others. The present article investigates changes in the OHC100 during the period 1994–2020 using GLORYS12 monthly averaged ocean reanalysis. OHC100–ENSO correlation patterns are explored to glean insights about the oceanic mechanisms that facilitate the ENSO’s global teleconnections. After extracting known seasonality and ENSO signals using the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), the OHC100 residual is analyzed to investigate multidecadal drivers of the OHC100. Lagged ENSO–OHC100 correlations (±12 months) reveal basin-scale oscillations in the sign of ENSO influence likely attributable to Rossby waves. The OHC100 is increasing globally (in total, 2.4 × 10²² J decade⁻¹), with the greatest increases near western boundary currents (WBCs). Some regions are decreasing, notably the Atlantic main development region (MDR) for tropical cyclones (TCs). Correlations and multidecadal variability in the OHC100 tendency (OHCT) and zonal and meridional advections of the OHC100 (ZAO and MAO) support the hypothesis that upper-ocean dynamics mediate ENSO teleconnections as well as exert independent control on OHC100 variability. Local increases in the OHC100 would support the observed TC rapid intensification irrespective of the ENSO phase as the TC-supporting region expands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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29 pages, 5691 KB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Analysis of Vortex Contributions to Rogue Wave Formation in the Agulhas Current

by Dirk J. Pons

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101875 - 30 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Harmonic summation and amplification by winds blowing contrary to currents are known contributions to rogue waves in the region of the Agulhas current, but the causes of the observed wave steepness, asymmetric form, and non-breaking are poorly understood. The potential effect of bathymetric [...] Read more.

Harmonic summation and amplification by winds blowing contrary to currents are known contributions to rogue waves in the region of the Agulhas current, but the causes of the observed wave steepness, asymmetric form, and non-breaking are poorly understood. The potential effect of bathymetric and meteorological features has not been addressed. Vortex theory was applied to develop a theory of wave formation, based on conceptual reasoning. Rogue wave formation is attributed to the following: (1) wind lee vortices causing steepening of a wave’s leeward face, and suppressing wave breaking; (2) boundary layer vortices from the meteorological cold front transferring energy to the wind lee vortices thereby sharpening the wave; (3) Agulhas current boundary layer vortices interacting with water lee vortices to accelerate a jet of water between them, thereby steepening the wave and enhancing the preceding trough; (4) bathymetric topology, especially a canyon on the continental slope, generating a vortex in the Agulhas current. This vortex is detached from the canyon by prising of the coastal downwelling current (induced by the meteorological cold front) and combines with the water lee vortex to heighten the wave, and (5) jetting, which arises when the canyon vortex and the Agulhas current boundary layer vortices pass each other, thereby accentuating wave height, steepness, and asymmetry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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22 pages, 29320 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Ocean Background and Tropical Cyclone Characteristics on Tropical Cyclone-Induced Sea Surface Cooling in the Western North Pacific

by Rao Rao, Chengcheng Yu, Peng Bai and Bo Li

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(5), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050955 - 14 May 2025

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Abstract

Tropical cyclones (TCs) induce intense mixing in the upper ocean, which significantly impacts sea surface temperature (SST) and marine environment. Previous studies have shown that TCs can cause a decrease in sea surface temperature (DSST), while further research is required to elucidate the [...] Read more.

Tropical cyclones (TCs) induce intense mixing in the upper ocean, which significantly impacts sea surface temperature (SST) and marine environment. Previous studies have shown that TCs can cause a decrease in sea surface temperature (DSST), while further research is required to elucidate the factors influencing SST changes. This study employs satellite observations and reanalysis data from the western North Pacific during 2002–2020 to investigate the relationship between DSST and the ocean background state (BG). In addition, by incorporating TC characteristics, we construct indices to explore the synergistic effects of TCs and BG on DSST, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing DSST variability. The results indicate that DSST exhibits significant monthly variations, with the maximum DSST in September for coastal regions and in August for offshore regions. Regardless of TC characteristics, when the mixed layer depth (MLD) exceeds 60 m or thermocline depth (TD) exceeds 115 m, it is difficult for the DSST to exceed 1 °C. In both coastal and offshore regions, MLD and TD exhibit moderate negative correlations with DSST, with values around −0.3. When TC characteristics are incorporated, these correlations rise to approximately 0.6, highlighting the importance of jointly considering BG and TC effects in characterizing DSST. The findings of this study provide theoretical support for improving the capability to predict DSST changes before the TC approaches the coast. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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22 pages, 7116 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Mean Sea Level Variability Due to Tropical Cyclones: Insights from August Typhoons

by MyeongHee Han, SungHyun Nam and Hak-Soo Lim

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1830; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101830 - 14 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

This study investigates the interannual variations in regional mean sea levels (MSLs) of the northeast Asian marginal seas (NEAMS) during August, focusing on the role of typhoon activity from 1993 to 2019. The NEAMS are connected to the Pacific through the East China [...] Read more.

This study investigates the interannual variations in regional mean sea levels (MSLs) of the northeast Asian marginal seas (NEAMS) during August, focusing on the role of typhoon activity from 1993 to 2019. The NEAMS are connected to the Pacific through the East China Sea (ECS) and narrow, shallow straits in the east, where inflow from the southern boundary (ECS), unless balanced by eastern outflow, leads to significant convergence or divergence, as well as subsequent changes in regional MSLs. Satellite altimetry and tide-gauge data reveal that typhoon-induced Ekman transport plays a key role in MSL variability, with increased inflow raising MSLs during active typhoon seasons. In contrast, weak typhoon activity reduces inflow, resulting in lower MSLs. This study’s findings have significant implications for coastal management, as the projected changes in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity due to climate change could exacerbate sea level rise and flooding risks. Coastal communities in the NEAMS region will need to prioritize enhanced flood defenses, early warning systems, and adaptive land use strategies to mitigate these risks. This is the first study to link typhoon frequency directly to NEAMS MSL variability, highlighting the critical role of wind-driven processes in regional sea level changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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17 pages, 11892 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Mesoscale SST–Wind Coupling Characteristics in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea Based on Satellite Data and Their Feedback Effects on the Ocean

by Chaoran Cui and Lingjing Xu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101743 - 3 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1527

Abstract

The mesoscale interaction between sea surface temperature (SST) and wind is a crucial factor influencing oceanic and atmospheric conditions. To investigate the mesoscale coupling characteristics of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, we applied a locally weighted regression filtering method to extract [...] Read more.

The mesoscale interaction between sea surface temperature (SST) and wind is a crucial factor influencing oceanic and atmospheric conditions. To investigate the mesoscale coupling characteristics of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, we applied a locally weighted regression filtering method to extract mesoscale signals from Quik-SCAT wind field data and AMSR-E SST data and found that the mesoscale coupling intensity is stronger in the Yellow Sea during the spring and winter seasons. We calculated the mesoscale coupling coefficient to be approximately 0.009 N·m⁻²/°C. Subsequently, the Tikhonov regularization method was used to establish a mesoscale empirical coupling model, and the feedback effect of mesoscale coupling on the ocean was studied. The results show that the mesoscale SST–wind field coupling can lead to the enhancement of upwelling in the offshore area of the East China Sea, a decrease in the upper ocean temperature, and an increase in the eddy kinetic energy in the Yellow Sea. Diagnostic analyses suggested that mesoscale coupling-induced variations in horizontal advection and surface heat flux contribute most to the variation in SST. Moreover, the increase in the wind energy input to the eddy is the main factor explaining the increase in the eddy kinetic energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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27 pages, 17193 KB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Cyclonic Eddies to Typhoon Surigae and Their Weakening Effect on the Kuroshio Current in the Western North Pacific Ocean

by Yanzeng Zhang and Shuzong Han

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(7), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12071202 - 17 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

This study investigated the dynamic and thermal responses of cyclonic eddies (CEs) to Typhoon Surigae in the western North Pacific Ocean using satellite data and a coupled ocean–atmosphere model. Observations and simulations revealed that the typhoon enhanced the two preexisting CEs (C1 and [...] Read more.

This study investigated the dynamic and thermal responses of cyclonic eddies (CEs) to Typhoon Surigae in the western North Pacific Ocean using satellite data and a coupled ocean–atmosphere model. Observations and simulations revealed that the typhoon enhanced the two preexisting CEs (C1 and C2). After the typhoon passed the two eddies, the sea surface height (SSH) lowered and the eddy velocity increased above 200 m. C1 was stretched with elliptical deformation accompanied by an SSH trough and jets on the sides of the typhoon track at the eddy edge. The comparative experiments indicated that the typhoon caused the SSH of C1 and C2 to lower by 53.52% and 25.14% compared to conditions without the typhoon, respectively, and the kinetic energy of C1 and C2 to increase by 12 times and 65.76%, respectively. The positive vorticity anomaly input from the typhoon to the CEs was the main mechanism for the enhancement of the CEs. The enhanced CEs modulated the typhoon-induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling, causing the temperature within the eddies to decrease by upwelling and mixing, and the SST cooling became significant at the center of the CEs and propagated westward with the eddies. This study also revealed that typhoons can significantly perturb eddy dynamic structures by enhancing or generating cyclonic cold eddies and eradicating anticyclonic eddies, thereby weakening the Kuroshio Current transport via eddy–Kuroshio interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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15 pages, 18201 KB

Open AccessArticle

Latent Heat Flux Trend and Its Seasonal Dependence over the East China Sea Kuroshio Region

by Chengji Chen and Qiang Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050722 - 26 Apr 2024

Viewed by 2422

Abstract

Investigating latent heat flux (LHF) variations in the western boundary current region is crucial for understanding air–sea interactions. In this study, we examine the LHF trend in the East China Sea Kuroshio Region (ECSKR) from 1959 to 2021 using atmospheric and oceanic reanalysis [...] Read more.

Investigating latent heat flux (LHF) variations in the western boundary current region is crucial for understanding air–sea interactions. In this study, we examine the LHF trend in the East China Sea Kuroshio Region (ECSKR) from 1959 to 2021 using atmospheric and oceanic reanalysis datasets and find that the LHF has a significant strengthening trend. This strengthening can be attributed to sea surface warming resulting from the advection of sea surface temperatures. More importantly, the LHF trend has an apparent seasonal dependence: the most substantial increasing trend in LHF is observed in spring, while the trends are weak in other seasons. Further analysis illustrates that the anomaly of air–sea humidity difference plays a pivotal role in controlling the seasonal variations in LHF trends. Specifically, as a result of the different responses of the East Asian Trough to global warming across different seasons, during spring, the East Asian Trough significantly deepens, resulting in northerly winds that facilitate the intrusion of dry and cold air into the ECSKR region. This intensifies the humidity difference between the sea and air, promoting the release of oceanic latent heat. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of the surface heat budget balance within western boundary currents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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35 pages, 19756 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dense Water Formation in the North–Central Aegean Sea during Winter 2021–2022

by Manos Potiris, Ioannis G. Mamoutos, Elina Tragou, Vassilis Zervakis, Dimitris Kassis and Dionysios Ballas

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12020221 - 25 Jan 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3045

Abstract

The evolution and drivers of dense water formation (DWF) in the North–Central Aegean Sea (NCAeg) during winter 2021–2022 are studied using observations from two Argo floats and the output of an operational data-assimilating model. Dense water with [...] Read more.

The evolution and drivers of dense water formation (DWF) in the North–Central Aegean Sea (NCAeg) during winter 2021–2022 are studied using observations from two Argo floats and the output of an operational data-assimilating model. Dense water with

σ_{θ} > 29.1 {kg m}^{- 3}

was produced over most of the NCAeg, except for the northeastern part covered by Black Sea water (BSW), where the maximum surface density was

< 29 {kg m}^{- 3}

. The highest density waters were produced over the central and southern parts of the Lemnos Plateau and in the shallow coastal areas between Chios Island and the Edremit Gulf. Atmospherically driven transformation to the east of Lesvos Island resulted in the production of waters with anomalously high density and salinity, which flowed inside Skiros Basin, thus partly explaining its historically higher density and salinity compared to the rest of the NCAeg subbasins. The Skiros and Athos Basins were ventilated down to

σ_{θ}

∼

29.35 {kg m}^{- 3}

horizons. The

29.1 {kg m}^{- 3}

isopycnal rose by ∼

200 m

, and the

29.25 {kg m}^{- 3}

isopycnal overflowed above the ∼

400 m

sill depth filling the southern depressions of the NCAeg. Combining data from Argo floats, vessel casts, gliders, and a fixed-point observatory, the dense water produced in the NCAeg was observed spreading in the deep layer of the Central Cretan Sea for at least one and a half years after the formation. The cyclonic circulation of the newly formed water in the NCAeg has been observed directly for the first time using deep-drifting floats. The Eastern Mediterranean warming and salinification signal has propagated below the NCAeg sill depth. The winter average buoyancy loss was comparable to that of the peak of the Eastern Mediterranean transient (EMT) and other known years of DWF in the NCAeg; however, the high temperature of the upper layers due to long-term warming prevented the widespread formation of denser water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air-Sea Interaction and Marine Dynamics)

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