Sea-surface temperature fronts in the Yellow and East China Seas from TRMM microwave imager data

Swath data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission microwave imager of sea-surface temperatures (SST) from 1998 to 2005 have been used to analyze the climatology and seasonal variability of the SST fronts in the Yellow and East China Seas (YES). Seven fronts have been identified and placed into three categories, namely, (1) the shelf-break front (Kuroshio Front), (2) the coastal fronts (Zhe-Min, Jiangsu, Shangdong Peninsula, Western Korean, and Western Chejudo Fronts), and (3) the shelf front (Western Yellow Sea Shelf Front). The Kuroshio Front exists from December through May, with the maximum SST gradient and highest frontal probability in April. The five coastal fronts exist year-round, all with their maximum SST gradient and highest frontal probability in February. The shelf front in the western Yellow Sea exists only from January to March. Frontogenesis in winter is due to effects of both air–sea heat exchange and advection by currents. The coastal fronts in the stratified months are expressed as tidal fronts. The coastal frontal zones coincide with the major spawning grounds of fish in the YES. The overwintering fishery ground in the Yellow Sea overlaps with the narrow band of favorable water temperature in the frontal zone. The overwintering grounds in the East China Sea are broad and bounded by fronts.