An Estimation of Tidal Currents from Satellite-tracked Drifters and its Application to the Yellow Sea

A simple but effective method has been developed for estimating diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal currents from trajectories of satellite-tracked drifters. The estimation method consists of separation of tidal current signals contained in the drifter trajectories, computation of undulations by diurnal and semi-diurnal currents, and correction of dominant diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal constituents. M$_2$ tidal currents estimated from drifter trajectories in the Yellow Sea are well consistent with those observed by moored current meters and this supports the validity of this method. We have constructed M$_2$ tidal current chart in the Yellow Sea by applying this method to available drifter trajectories collected during 1994-1998. According to this chart, M$_2$ current in the Yellow Sea rotates in the clockwise direction south of 35$^{\circ}$ 30'N but in the counterclockwise one to the north. Also it is found that the M$_2$ current is strong in the bank area northeast of the Changjiang River mouth and in the Korean coastal area, while it is weak in the deep central trough.