Visualization of riverine water and vortex dynamics around the Naruto Strait based on high-resolution ocean simulation and satellite images

Abstract

This paper addresses a fusion visualization of vorticity fields and riverine water maps by combining satellite-derived ocean-color images and simulated velocity fields using a high-resolution ocean model. Our visualization successfully described the transportation of low-salinity riverine water from the Yoshino River through the Naruto Strait. The cloudy white riverine water separated from the river plume in Kii Channel and easily passed through the strait owing to the flood current that formed a mushroom vortex. Meanwhile, the high-salinity clear water from the Harima-Nada Sea could horizontally mix in the strong vorticity fields generated by the ebb current after passing the strait. Our fusion visualization is capable of evaluating the transportation and mixing of riverine water through narrow straits.