Analysis and forecast of the surface currents in the Okhotsk Sea on the base of observations on drift of buoys

Abstract

Data of observations on drifting buoys in the western Okhotsk Sea are presented. Quasi-stochastic mode of the buoys drift under forcing of atmospheric cyclone is noted. The drift is analyzed jointly with analysis of the wind field and the sea surface satellite altimetry. The buoy drift trajectories are modeled under separate influence of the wind-driven and geostrophic flows. There is concluded that both wind-driven and geostrophic currents at the sea surface should be accounted for forecasting of drift for buoys or any floating objects.

Keywords

• дрейф
• поверхностные течения
• охотское море
• приводный ветер
• спутниковая альтиметрия