Upper Ocean Response of the South China Sea to Typhoon Chanchu(2006)

In order to investigate the dynamic and thermal response of the South China Sea(SCS) to real typhoon case qualitatively, the simulated results from a typhoon-ocean coupled model are analyzed in detail.The SST simulated by POM in the coupled experiment is in good agreement to that from the TRMM/TMI-derived data.Corresponding to the SST cooling, the depth of mixed layer deepens in the meantime, it deepens more distinctly on the right side of typhoon, with maxima of 58 m.The correspondence of SST cooling and mixed layer depth indicates that the SST cooling is caused mainly by entrainment.Under the influence of typhoon, a cyclonic circulation is generated in the upper ocean layer and moves with typhoon.The typhoon-induced horizontal currents in the wake of the storm have strong near-inertial oscillation, which gradually propagates downward.