In order to investigate the distribution of suspended particulate matter of the surface water in the South Sea of Korea in early winter, the cruise results during 2 to 8 December 2004 were analyzed in relation to the hydrography.
The front was formed along the line connecting between Tsushima and Cheju Islands, which divided the water into two water masses; the coastal water with low temperature and low salinity, and the Tsushima Warm Current Water with high temperature and high salinity. In the coastal water the suspended particulte matter was 5.0-6.5 mg/l, while in the oceanic water suspended particulate matter was 4.5-5.0 mg/l. The coastal water showed higher mixing effects, compared to the oceanic area where vertical stratification was clearly formed. These indicate that the distribution of suspended particulate matter was affected by the stratification or mixing of the water column. Also it is suggested that the mixing effects of sea surface cooling and wind play an important role on the distribution of suspended particulate matter in the South Sea of Korea in winter time.

• 최용규(남해수산연구소 해양환경팀) | Yong-Kyu Choi Corresponding Author