Investigation of Seasonal Variations of Water Characteristics in Bungo Channel and Surrounding Area by NOAA/AVHRR Data

Abstract

The seasonal variations of sea surface temperature have been investigated by the thermal image of the satellite and compared with the sea truth data. In spring, an coastal 'front formed between the Kuroshio branch and the inland water was observed in the Bungo Channel. In addition, small scale fronts were observed in the Iyo Sea as well. The sea surface temperature of the central part of the Iyo Sea is recorded as the lowest in this season. In summer, the coastal fronts became unclear because of a predominant upswelling in the Bungo Channel. The temperature in the Suo Sea is the highest in the inland. The sea state in autumn is, in general, analogous to that of spring. The coastal front was formed in the Bungo Channel as in spring. However, the lowest temperature could be observed in the southern Suo Sea. In winter, the influence of the Kuroshio branch reached around the central part of the Iyo Sea and formed remarkable coastal fronts, while the Suo Sea is much cooled than autumn.