INFLUENCE OF WIND-DRIVEN CURRENTS UPON BEHAVIOR OF FRESH WATER FROM CHIKUGO RIVER IN THE INNER PART OF ARIAKE BAY

Abstract

 The influence of wind-driven currents upon the behavior of the fresh water from Chikugo River flowed into the inner part of Ariake Bay was investigated through the comparison between the results of particle tracking simulation by using surface currents obtained by the HF radar and observed surface salinity. As a result, the followings were clarified. While the north wind was blowing, the fresh water flowed toward the mouth of Isahaya Bay in a short period by wind-driven currents as well as ebb currents and density currents. On the other hand, while the south wind was blowing, the fresh water stayed at the northern coastal areas of the bay and the residence time of the fresh water in the inner part of the bay would be prolonged.