The fundamental principle for differentiating water masses is a strict consideration of their relative "interior homogeneity" and obvious "exterior differences" with others in characteristics. The conceptions of water type, water mass and water system are dealt with on the basis of the theory of fuzzy sets. A proposal to apply the theory of fuzzy sets to define the water mass and its core, independent area, boundary and mixing area is put forward.As an example, the membership function of the surface water masses in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea in August, 1979, are considered. Their cores, independent areas, boundaries, mixing areas and the approximation degrees between different water masses are calculated respectively. The water masses are ranged according to their fuzzy degrees.
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