HYDRODYNAMIC AND THERMAL ENVIRONMENTS IN AND OUTSIDE THE SHIRAHO CORAL REEF AREAS OF ISHIGAKI ISLAND, SOUTHWEST JAPAN

摘要

Study results show the propagation of near bottom cold onshore currents that followed the internal waves in an area where bottom topography is characterized by gentle slopes. The cold water currents finally penetrated into Shiraho reef area and were found to affect the water circulation pattern and thermal environment significantly around Tooru-guchi region where a big reef gap is located. After cold westward current penetration, a significant temperature fall was observed in the reef area. As cold westward current flowed in the bottom layer, warm currents headed offshore through the surface layer. The characteristic currents and thermal environment of the region are discussed in detail.