Analysis of sea currents, sea temperature, and sea salinity variations in the malacca strait during january and july 2022 using vertical sections

Abstract

This study analyzes the sea currents, temperature, and salinity in the Malacca Strait during the northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) monsoons of 2022, represented by monthly average data from the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) data portal for January and July, respectively. Vertical sections are created to visualize the layer structure and variations of sea parameters within the water column. The findings reveal differences in sea currents, temperature, and salinity between the NE and SW monsoons. July (SW monsoon) records consistently warmer temperatures than January (NE monsoon), both at the sea surface and seabed. Surface salinity is higher in July than in January, while seabed salinity is greater in January than in July. In January, the salinity-influenced mixed layer depth (MLD) appears to be thicker than the temperature-influenced MLD. There are no significant differences in the thickness of the temperature- and salinity-influenced MLDs during July. These variations in sea currents, temperature, and salinity at different depths provide a comprehensive understanding of the marine environmental structure and dynamics of the Malacca Strait.