THE TATAR STRAIT SEA LEVEL SESONAL VARITIONS BY SAT-ELLITE ALTIMETRY DATA

In this work Topex/Poseidon altimeter data 1993 - 2002 were used. There are three altimetry tracks (one ascending and two descending) that cross Tatar Strait. The data were collected in the points of sub-satellite tracks with the step 0.25 degree. 10-years average values were calculated for each month. The seasonal sea level variations were compared with tide gauges data. The well expressed annual cycle (with maximum at July-August and the minimum at February-March) prevails in the Tartar Strait. However, the seasonal variations expressed much weakly in both the altimetry track points and Kholmsk - Nevelsk tide-gauges that locate close to La Perouse Strait because of Okhotsk Sea influence. The sea level slopes between the Sakhalin Island and the continent coasts were analyzed in different seasons. We found that sea level increases near Sakhalin coast in spring and summer that corresponds to the northward flow. In autumn, otherwise, the sea level decreases near Sakhalin Island that corresponds to southward current. This result is verified by the CTD data gathered on the standard sections. Well-expressed upwelling is observed near coastline of Sakhalin Island in fall season. This phenomenon is caused by the northerly and the northwesterly wind which are typical for cold season.