Climatic characteristics of geostrophic currents in the Japan Sea
Geostrophic currents in the Japan Sea are calculated for warm (August) and cold (February) seasons on the base of climatic data on water temperature and salinity with Ѕ-degree grid relative to the reference surface 500 db. In the northern part of the Sea, all the main currents (Shrenk or Liman, Primorye, North-Korean) are simulated in the warm season only, but are not recognized in winter. Stream velocities are higher in summer. The highest velocity occurs at the Tsugaru Strait. Large cyclonic gyre is observed in the northern part of the Sea with the Primorye and North-Korean Currents in its western boundary; it is more extended in August. Some differences of the new scheme from traditional ones are revealed for coastal areas, their reasons are discussed.