A methodology is proposed using altimeter-derived upper layer thickness
and baroclinic transport to identify the Kuroshio Extension,
the Bifurcation Point and the Northern Branch, by
combining TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter and climatological data within a
two-layer reduced gravity model. Results obtained from the Japanese coast
to 175°W show that the location of the Bifurcation Point presents
interannual variability that is related with upstream conditions.
The longitude of the Bifurcation Point ranged from 147° to 160°E.
Estimates of baroclinic transport at the Kuroshio Extension and
its Northern Branch decrease steadily to the east trough the region of
study from 35 to 11 and from 10 to 3 Sv, respectively.
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