The equatorial west Pacific fresh pool at the end of the La Niña event in October/November 1996

The salinity, temperature and current distributions have been measured during the TROPAC cruise (Oct./Nov. 1996) at two sections, i.e. 143°E and 150°E, during the final phase of the 1995/1996 La Nina. The results present evidence that the fresh pool and the salinity front at its eastern boundary had moved far to the west, and that a barrier layer existed in that phase. The observed currents support the idea that advective processes play an essential role in creating the thermohaline structure during this ENSO phase. In relation with this process, it is found that the westward subduction mechanism of relatively dense eastern equatorial waters may apply during that phase.