On the Cold Water Mass Around the Southeast Coast of Korean Peninsula

The cold water mass around the southeast coast of the Korean Peninsula is analyzed by using CSK data from 1966 through 1970. It is shown that this water mass flows down from the region offshore of Jukbyun to the area of Youngil Bay along the 100meter contour line of bottom topography. In ordinary summer conditions when the current velocity in the Korea Strait is usually above about 50cm/sec and the wind direction is southwest, the cold water ascends to the surface and makes the surface temperature gradient large, unless disturbed by a tropical cyclon. The bottom water of the Korea Strait is formed by the stratification after the Tsushima intermediate water and the Japan Sea intermediate water have been mixed. In winter the Tsushima intermediate water with high salinity sinks rapidly around the inlet of the Japan Sea and prevents the Japan Sea intemediate water from entering the Korea Strait.