Distribution Characteristics of Sea Surface Salinity and Its Relations to Tide in Jiulongjiang Estuary-Xiamen Bay

According to 5 cruises of observations in the Jiulongjiang Estuary-Xiamen Bay during 2006 and 2007,we analyzed the distribution characteristics of sea surface salinity as well as its variability with tide.The results showed that the sea surface salinity varied with tide in the estuary.Due to the different influence of oceanic water with higher salinity and fresh water from the Jiulongjiang River,the salinity in the southern estuary increased with time at 1～2 hours before high tide.However,the salinity decreased with tide in the northern estuary.Obvious plume fronts were detected in the Xiamen Bay,and their location and strength varied with tide.