The South China Sea Mooring Array and its applications in exploring oceanic multiscale dynamics

Area of Science:

• Oceanography
• Fluid Dynamics
• Marine Science

Background:

• The South China Sea (SCS) exhibits complex multiscale dynamic processes, poorly understood due to limited long-term in situ observations.
• Understanding spatiotemporal variations, generation, evolution, and interactions of these dynamics is critical for marine science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore oceanic multiscale dynamics in the South China Sea.
• To review advances in understanding multiscale dynamics enabled by the SCS Mooring Array (SCSMA).
• To describe the construction and capabilities of the SCSMA.

Main Methods:

• Construction and deployment of the South China Sea Mooring Array (SCSMA), the largest in situ ocean observing system in marginal seas.
• Utilizing high spatial resolution (∼1.5 km) and long-term observations (up to ∼15 years) from the SCSMA.
• Comprehensive review of data and findings from the SCSMA concerning oceanic processes.

Main Results:

• Significant advances in understanding large-scale circulation, mesoscale eddies, submesoscale processes, internal waves, and turbulent mixing in the SCS.
• Revealed the complete forward energy cascade from large-scale currents to turbulence.
• Identified a three-dimensional multiscale circulation system responsible for material and tracer transport.

Conclusions:

• The SCSMA is instrumental in advancing the understanding of complex oceanic multiscale dynamics.
• Long-term observations reveal intricate interactions and energy transfers between different dynamic processes.
• The SCSMA provides a foundation for future research and applications in marine science and oceanography.