Weakening Trend of Luzon Strait Overflow Transport in the Past Two Decades

The Luzon Strait overflow is a deep current of dense water flowing persistently into the South China Sea (SCS) from Pacific. It primary driving force SCS circulation and potentially influenced by ocean mass changes. Limited lengths in situ observations, long-term changes transport (LSOT) have not been ascertained. Based on 14 years satellite-based bottom pressure (OBP) time series, here we provide an evidence weakening LSOT ?0.43 Sv decade?1 between 2003 2016. Moreover, both OBP data mooring series reveal large annual cycle LSOT. trend may profoundly influence circulation, as well heat fluxes surrounding oceans.