Moored Observations of Currents and Water Mass Properties between Talaud and Halmahera Islands at the Entrance of the Indonesian Seas

Abstract The currents and water mass properties at the Pacific entrance of Indonesian seas are studied using measurements three subsurface moorings deployed between Talaud Halmahera Islands. moored current meter data show northeastward mean toward Ocean in upper 400 m during nearly 2-yr mooring period, with maximum velocity northern part channel. transport 60- 300-m depths is estimated to be 10.1–13.2 Sv (1 ? 10 6 3 s ?1 ) 2016–17, when all have measurements. variability along-channel dominated by low-frequency signals (periods > 150 days), variations boreal winter southwestward summer superposition annual semiannual harmonics. evidence seasonal movement Mindanao Current retroflection, which supported satellite sea level ocean color data, showing a cyclonic intrusion into Maluku Sea whereas leaping path occurs north Islands summer. During Apri–July, CTDs near 200 carrying salty South Tropical Water Sea.