Application of cluster analysis method for analyzing the water masses in the shallow water area and the analysis of modified water masses in the Huanghai Sea and the East China Sea

• Published in: Oceanologia Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 1 - 12
• Main Authors: Su, Yusong, Yu, Zuxiang, Li, Fengqi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: 01.01.1983
• Subjects: East China Sea; Yellow Sea
• ISSN: 0078-3234

The idea of modified water masses is introduced, and a cluster analysis is used for determining the boundary of modified water masses and its variations in the shallow water area of the Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea) and the East China Sea. According to the specified standards for making the cluster, the quantity and boundary of the water masses and the mixed zones were determined. The results obtained by the cluster method show that there are eight modified water masses in this area. According to the relative index of temperature and salinity, the modified water masses are divided into nine different characteristic parts. The water masses may also be divided into three salinity types. On the TS diagram, the points concerning temperature and salinity of different modified water masses are distributed around a curve, from which the characteristic of gradual modification may be embodied. All of the variation ranges of different modified water masses are large, explaining the intensive modification of water masses in