Application of a Simple Buoyancy Adjustment Model to the Japan Sea

Application of the simple buoyancy adjustment model, similar to Davey's (1983), indicates that buoyancies imposed locally or from outside of the basin are the major factor of the Japan Sea circulation. Within the context of the model considered, the relatively strong SW gradient of temperature, and corresponding western boundary current, in the SW region is due to the beta-effect. Kelvin waves make the western side colder and the eastern side warmer. Buoyancy input (presumably by fresh water discharge) in the NW region, so far neglected, plays an important role in strengthening the NKCC (North Korea Cold Current) and suppressing the EKWC (East Korea Warm Current) thereby breaking the conventional branching system of the Tsushima Warm Current.