Feature detection and visualization of ocean flow field sources, sinks based on vector field decomposition

This paper provides a novel and efficient technique to detect and visualize the important features of ocean-sources and sinks. First, based on K. Polthier´s decomposition algorithm, the flow field is decomposed to detect critical points of sources and sinks. Then a novel method is proposed that detects periodic orbits and separatrices by considering attachment and seperation points. Last, a new systematic technique is represented based on vector field topology and color mapping to generate streamlines and highlight important features of ocean-sources and sinks. Furthermore, the application of vector field visualization algorithms are described to Bohai Sea data to demonstrate its utility.