Observation on Tidal Current Structure and Ship Movement within the Kurushima Channel Traffic Route

Abstract

Authors surveyed and analyzed tidal current flows and structures by 300KHz ADCP and observed on ship movement by Data Recording System of T.S. Yuge-Maru (240tons) at the passage area of the Kurushima channel on August 26 and 27, 1997. Results are summarized as follows; (1) Remarkable changes in tidal flows were observed near Osumi Headland, Tsushima Island, Oshima Island, which can be regarded as the effect of island and headlands. (2) The upper layer flows of tidal current were almost similar to the lower layer flows except at several deep areas. (3) Effects of the tidal current for ship movement were controlled by the upper layer flows.