Variability of the Mean Positions and Transport

When the latitude of the Kuroshio Extension at the first crest shifts northward (southward), the volume transport decreases (increases) and the longitude of the Bifurcation Point shifts westward (eastward).

Time series of the latitude (green) and volume transport (red) of the Kuroshio Extension at the first crest, and of the longitude of the Bifurcation Point (blue).

The maximum of rms values of the sea height near 153°E; agrees with the mean location of the Bifurcation Point.

Although the presence of the Shatsky Rise may influence the location of the Bifurcation Point, its variability and relation with upstream water transport and latitude of the axis also suggest hydrodynamical causes.

However, changes in the decreasing rate of water transport at the Kuroshio Extension near 160° and 170°E, the southward deflection of the Kuroshio Extension axis near 160°E, and the location of the Northern Branch path are probably related with the topographic features.