The Remote Effects of Typhoons on the Cold Filaments in the Southwestern South China Sea

Abstract

Cold filaments (CFs) in the southwestern South China Sea (SCS) impact local hydrodynamics and the ecological environment. In this study, the effects of typhoons passing over the northern SCS on CFs are investigated using multi-source observational and reanalysis data. Statistical analysis of CF responses to typhoons over the past 24 years shows that during typhoon periods in the northern SCS, the CFs are intensified. We further analyze the remote effect of typhoons on the CF during Typhoon Kalmaegi in 2014, which caused a sea surface temperature (SST) drop of more than 3 °C in the CF region. The strengthened along-coast wind induced strong upwelling off the Vietnam coast. The maximum vertical velocity in the CF reaches three times the usual value. Meanwhile, influenced by the peripheral wind field of Kalmaegi, cold coastal water accumulated at the CF region due to the shafting of the offshore current. Both strong offshore currents and coastal upwellings enhanced the intensity of the CF. These findings demonstrate that typhoons not only directly affect ocean dynamic processes along their path but also present significant remote influences on coastal dynamics in other regions. This study enhances the understanding of CF evolution and sea–air interactions during extreme events.

Keywords

• cold filament
• remote response
• Typhoon Kalmaegi (2014)