Structure and formation of the South Yellow Sea water mass in spring

Data obtained from over 250 CTD stations in December 2006 and April 2007 were used to analyze the temperature and salinity structure of the water masses of the South Yellow Sea in spring. Six basic water masses were identified: the Southwest Yellow Sea Coastal Water Mass (SWYSCWM), Southwest Yellow Sea Local Water Mass (SWYSLWM), Qingdao Cold Water Mass (QDCWM), Yellow Sea Warm Current Water Mass (YSWCWM), Inchon Cold Water Mass (ICWM), and Subei Coastal Water Mass (SBCWM). The mechanisms of formation of these water masses are very different. The SWYSCWM is affected by continental water, whereas the SWYSLWM and SBCWM are local water masses that are less affected by other waters. The QDCWM derives from cold northern water. The YSWC still exists. Because of the limited data coverage, the mechanism of formation of the ICWM remains unclear.